The Supreme Court expressed displeasure over the Assam government’s failure to answer the reasons for detention of 270 foreigners at Matiya Transit Camp. A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Nongmikapam Kotishwar Singh directed the Chief Secretary of Assam to remain present through video conferencing on the next date of hearing. The top court said it had given six weeks to the state government on December 9 to file an affidavit and is expected to explain the reasons for detention of 270 foreign nationals in the transit camp along with the steps taken for their deportation. Will also give details.
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Bench directed to give clarification
The bench said that no justification has been given in the affidavit for keeping him in custody. The steps taken for deportation are not mentioned. This is a gross violation of the orders of this court. We direct the Chief Secretary to remain present through video conference and give an explanation regarding non-compliance.
What did the Assam government say
The counsel appearing for the state government said that the people were detained only after they were declared foreigners by the Foreigners Tribunal. The top court wanted to know why the detention continues without starting the deportation process. Assam government’s lawyer said that the affidavit is confidential and should remain sealed. The court expressed displeasure on this. The lawyer said the affidavit contained addresses of foreigners and the details could have gone to the media. The bench said that the counsel for Assam has submitted that the affidavit filed should be kept in a sealed cover as its contents are confidential. Although we are directing that it be kept in a sealed cover, prima facie we disagree with the counsel’s contention that there is something confidential about the material.
carelessness in response
The surprising thing is that the state government officials did not show seriousness even in replying to the Supreme Court. The government’s only statement was that all of them are foreigners and they have been sent to the detention center only after being declared foreigners by the Foreigners’ Tribunals. But no reason has been given in the government affidavit for keeping them in custody, nor has any information been given as to what steps have been taken to send them back home.
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politics on infiltrators
If we look at this issue in the context of the intensified politics over foreign infiltrators in the last few years, then many irresponsible statements can be seen against the alleged infiltrators. Due to this, he is living in India for some reason. An atmosphere of hatred against foreigners is created and the question also arises whether that atmosphere is having a direct or indirect impact on the behavior or decisions of government officials.
