Illegal Stay Conviction Sparks Humanitarian Debate

Eight Bangladeshi nationals were sentenced to nine months' rigorous imprisonment for illegally residing in India's Thane district. Despite their guilty plea, the court acknowledged their dire circumstances, mandating a humanitarian perspective. A fine and deportation instructions followed their conviction under the Immigration and Foreigners Act.

In a recent ruling, a Kalyan court sentenced eight Bangladeshi nationals to nine months of rigorous imprisonment for living unlawfully in Thane district. The defendants, who admitted guilt, face penalties but were considered with compassion due to their challenging situations, as noted in the December 5 judgment.

The defendants faced charges under the Immigration and Foreigners Act as well as the Foreigners Act of 1946, as articulated by Additional Sessions Judge S.G. Inamdar. Each was fined Rs 1,000. The court appreciated their hardship linked to poverty and lack of education, which prevented them from understanding legal processes.

Notably, the maximum penalty for their offenses could have been five years. Among the convicted, four women were arrested from Dombivli and Kalyan, alongside three men. The court instructed coordination for their deportation after sentence completion, while an additional case against one absconder remains open.

(With inputs from agencies.)