Supreme Court Orders Deportation of 17 Foreigners from Assam Detention Center

The Supreme Court mandates the deportation of 17 foreigners from an Assam detention center, citing lack of registered offences, addressing concerns over prolonged detention without legal recourse. This decision underscores the court's commitment to upholding justice and human rights.

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has directed the Union of India to take immediate steps for the deportation of 17 foreigners detained in a detention center in Assam. The court emphasized that there are no registered offences against these individuals.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan acted upon a report submitted by the State Legal Services Authority, which highlighted the plight of these 17 declared foreigners languishing in the detention center.

The court's decision underscores a broader concern regarding the prolonged detention of foreigners, many of whom have been held for years without any legal recourse. In April, the Supreme Court had directed the State Legal Services Authority of Assam to provide information about foreigners detained for over two years.

Furthermore, the court instructed the legal services authority to form a team to assess the conditions and facilities available to the detained foreigners in these centers.

The ruling came in response to a plea seeking the release of individuals who have surpassed the two-year mark in detention centers within the state.

The Supreme Court's directive signals a crucial step towards addressing the humanitarian concerns surrounding the prolonged detention of individuals without valid charges. By ordering the deportation of these 17 foreigners, the court has reaffirmed the principles of justice and fairness.

The decision also underscores the need for a comprehensive review of the detention system to ensure that individuals are not subjected to undue hardship and deprivation of rights.

This development serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring that legal procedures are followed diligently, particularly in cases involving vulnerable populations such as detained foreigners.