Supreme Court Demands Urgent Action on Assam's Foreign Detainee Crisis

The Supreme Court of India is pressing the central government to expedite the deportation of individuals declared as foreigners in Assam. The Centre is expected to reach a decision by March 21, 2024. The court insists on humane conditions in detention centers and prioritizes detainees held for over two years.

The Supreme Court was informed on Tuesday by the central government that discussions surrounding the deportation of individuals labeled as foreigners in Assam are underway at the top executive level. A decision on the deportation process is anticipated by March 21.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, requested additional time to formalize the government's decision. The court, led by Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, adjourned the matter to March 21.

Previously, the court had criticized the Assam government for the prolonged detention of these individuals without deportation and called for immediate action. The bench requested the Assam State Legal Services Authority to inspect the Matia transit camp for conditions and hygiene, emphasizing the urgency of deportation, especially for those detained for over two years.