In an ongoing effort to oversee conditions at detention centers, the Supreme Court on Friday mandated the Assam State Legal Services Authority to conduct surprise inspections at the Matia transit camp for foreigners. The directive aims to assess the camp’s hygiene standards, food quality, and overall conditions.
Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, presiding over the case, have tasked the secretary of the State Legal Services Authority with appointing officials to carry out these unannounced visits. This measure comes amid concerns regarding the living conditions at the camp, which is designed to hold individuals declared as foreigners prior to deportation.
The court has requested a detailed report on the findings from these inspections to be submitted within one month, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for November 4.
Previously, on July 26, the apex court highlighted the “sorry state of affairs” at Assam’s detention centers, noting deficiencies such as inadequate water supply, substandard toilets, and poor sanitation. The current initiative builds on these findings, seeking to ensure improvements and compliance with basic human rights standards.
In earlier proceedings on May 16, the Supreme Court had also stressed the urgency of addressing the status of 17 declared foreigners at the Matia detention center, urging the Centre to prioritize their deportation, particularly four individuals who have been detained for over two years.
Additionally, the plea under review has implored the Assam government to refrain from detaining any person declared a foreigner by a tribunal without credible prospects for deportation in the near future.
