Meghalaya HC Orders Foreigners Shifted From Jails
The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state government to move all foreign nationals who have completed their prison sentences but remain in jail to a designated temporary detention centre by September 28. The court is examining delays in repatriating foreign nationals after completion of their sentences.
Foreign Nationals to Be Shifted From Meghalaya Jails
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh ordered authorities to transfer the affected foreign nationals to the temporary detention facility established at the MBOSE Hostel in Laitumkhrah, Shillong.
The Meghalaya government had earlier informed the court that 28 foreign nationals were still lodged in different jails despite completing their sentences.
The newly notified facility can accommodate around 60 people and will function as a holding centre while authorities complete nationality verification, documentation and deportation procedures.
High Court Questions Continued Detention in Prisons
The court has repeatedly expressed concern over foreign nationals remaining in regular prisons for months or even years after completing their judicial sentences.
It had earlier rejected a proposal to use a prison-related building at Nongstoin as a detention centre, observing that a holding facility for people awaiting deportation should not effectively function as another jail.
Some cases under examination involve foreign nationals who have allegedly remained in custody for several years beyond their completed sentences.
Meghalaya Begins Deportation Process
The Foreigners Regional Registration Office informed the court that deportation orders have already been issued in four cases and repatriation efforts are underway.
Authorities have also been asked to coordinate with foreign missions to obtain travel documents and complete nationality verification.
The High Court is additionally examining whether compensation may be payable in cases where foreign nationals were kept in prison beyond their lawful sentences.
