New Delhi: the Center has agreed to repatriate a heavily pregnant woman and her eight-year-old son who were deported to Bangladesh in June, following intervention from the Supreme Court. Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta informed the court on Wednesday that the Union government would bring the mother and child back via official channels on humanitarian grounds, but clarified this shoudl not prejudice their case regarding the deportation order’s merits.
The case originated from a petition filed by the woman’s father, Bhodu Sekh, with the Calcutta High Court. Sekh alleged his daughter, grandson, and son-in-law were illegally picked up, detained, and deported on june 26 after an identity verification drive triggered by a Home Ministry notification on May 2. He maintains his family is from West bengal and his daughter and son-in-law are Indian citizens by birth.The Centre countered that the deportees lacked documentary proof of citizenship.
The High Court had previously directed the repatriation of six West Bengal residents pushed into Bangladesh. The Supreme Court subsequently urged the centre to prioritize the return of the mother and child, stating they should not be separated.
Mr. Mehta stated the government did not want to set a “bad precedent” with the repatriation. He also informed the court of a contempt petition filed by Mr. Sekh for non-compliance with the High court order. Justice joymalya Bagchi suggested the Centre investigate Mr. Sekh’s citizenship, noting that if confirmed, his daughter and grandson would also be considered Indian nationals.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on December 12.
