The Supreme Court on Friday expressed concern over the inadequate facilities at a detention centre in Matia, Assam, designated for individuals declared as foreigners. The court addressed the lack of essential services such as sufficient water supply, proper sanitation, and adequate toilet facilities, underscoring a “sorry state of affairs.”
During the proceedings, the bench, comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih, reviewed a report from the Assam State Legal Services Authority which detailed the current conditions at the centre. The report alarmingly omitted information about food availability and medical assistance, prompting the court to order further inspections to evaluate food quality, kitchen cleanliness, and the provision of medical and recreational facilities.
The Supreme Court has requested an updated report to be submitted within three weeks, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for September.
This judicial inquiry stems from a broader discussion about the deportation processes for those declared foreigners, particularly emphasizing the urgency of deporting 17 individuals who have been detained for extended periods, with four having been in the detention centre for over two years.
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Further complicating the matter, the counsel for the petitioner highlighted ongoing legal challenges for some detainees, suggesting that deportation should be deferred until these legal proceedings conclude. This includes verifying the voluntary or involuntary nature of the deportation and whether the Bangladesh government has consented to receive the deportees.
