The Jharkhand High Court has reserved its decision on a significant public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the alleged presence of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants in the state. The division bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad and Justice Arun Kumar Rai, deliberated on the submissions presented by various parties before announcing the reservation on Friday.
The PIL, initiated by petitioner Danish Daniel, highlights concerns over the infiltration of Bangladeshi nationals into the Santhal Parganas districts of Jharkhand. Daniel asserts that these immigrants have been establishing madrasas and settlements, thereby impacting the local tribal communities.
During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government via virtual mode, outlined a proposed formation of a high-level fact-finding committee. This panel, slated to include the Union home secretary and the chief secretary of Jharkhand, aims to investigate the allegations thoroughly and submit a detailed report.
Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for the state government, contested the timing of the PIL, suggesting it was orchestrated to influence the upcoming assembly elections for political gain. This assertion follows an earlier affidavit from the central government confirming the presence of illegal immigrants in the Pakur and Sahibganj districts.
The court’s scrutiny intensified after revelations that the deputy commissioners of the Santhal Parganas had previously provided incorrect information about the absence of illegal immigrants in the area, as stated in a session on September 18.
