Supreme Court expresses concern over illegal migrants kept in detention camps in Assam

Guwahati, April 1, 2019:

The Supreme Court on Monday asked the government of Assam whether it should issue a non-bailable warrant against Assam Chief Secretary, Alok Kumar for his absence during the hearing on a plea seeking humane treatment to immigrants at detention centers.

A bench of judges headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said, “There exist certain reasons why the Chief Secretary is required to be present. But he is not here. Does that mean we should we issue a non-bailable warrant against him.”

Moreover, the SC also mentioned that the state government is “dragging its feet in pursuing identification of migrants”.

On this, the apex court has directed the Chief Secretary to be present in the court during its next hearing on April 8. The SC has been hearing a petition filed by social activist Harsh Mander, seeking direction by the Supreme Court for humane treatment to immigrants held in detention centers in Assam.