Government Addresses Supreme Court on Illegal Immigration Concerns
The central government has presented its case to the Supreme Court, highlighting concerns over illegal immigration and the systematic infiltration of migrants. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized the importance of national security while addressing allegations of wrongful detentions of Bengali-speaking Muslim migrants. The court is pressing for clarity on the government's stance and the processes involved in determining citizenship. The case raises significant questions about the intersection of language, nationality, and legal protections, as advocates argue against arbitrary deportations without due process. This ongoing legal battle reflects broader issues surrounding immigration policies and human rights in India.
| Aug 29, 2025, 17:17 IST
Government's Stance on Illegal Immigration
The central government informed the Supreme Court on Friday that India is facing a challenge of "systematic infiltration" by illegal immigrants, with agents facilitating their entry. This statement was made during a hearing regarding a petition alleging that Bengali-speaking Muslim migrants are being detained and, in some instances, deported without due process. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, emphasized that national security must remain a top priority. He asserted that India should not be labeled as the capital of illegal immigrants.
Language and Detention Issues
Mehta stressed that detention or deportation cannot be based on language and dismissed claims that arrests are solely occurring due to speaking Bengali. He questioned why organizations, rather than the affected individuals, are filing such petitions. The court urged the government to clarify its official stance. The bench inquired whether the claims regarding language used to determine citizenship are accurate. It highlighted that this matter is linked to two critical issues: national security and the preservation of heritage and shared culture. Furthermore, it clarified that any actions against individuals must adhere to fair processes and cannot be based on language.
Petition from West Bengal Migrant Welfare Board
A petition filed by the West Bengal Migrant Workers Welfare Board and its president, MP Samirul Islam, claims that Bengali-speaking Muslim workers are being arbitrarily detained in states such as Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Delhi. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioners, argued that in many instances, individuals are deported to Bangladesh without proper verification. He stated that nationality cannot be determined instantly and deporting individuals without assessing their status violates constitutional protections and international law. Bhushan provided several examples where Indian citizens with valid documents were wrongfully deported. In one case, a woman was sent to Bangladesh but was later arrested as an Indian citizen after her documents were verified.