The Supreme Court on Wednesday reprimanded the Assam government for its “defective” affidavit regarding the detention of 270 foreign nationals at the Matia transit camp. The court criticized the state for failing to provide reasons for the detentions and details on the deportation process.
A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh directed the Assam Chief Secretary to appear via video conference at the next hearing to explain the non-compliance with the court’s earlier orders. The court had granted the state six weeks, starting from December 9, to submit an affidavit with the necessary information, but found it lacking in substance.
“This is a gross violation of the court’s orders,” the bench stated. While the Assam government’s counsel clarified that detainees were held after being declared foreigners by tribunals, the court raised concerns over the ongoing detentions without any progress on their deportation.
The court also rejected the state’s request to keep the affidavit confidential, asserting that there was no valid reason to seal the document, which contained the addresses of the detainees.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court directed the Assam State Legal Services Authority to conduct surprise inspections at the Matia camp to evaluate hygiene and food quality. The case continues to draw attention to the conditions at detention centres in Assam and the deportation of foreign nationals.
Also Read: Assam News: ABSU Urges Release of 66 NDFB Members Ahead of 5th BTR Accord Anniversary