SC Seeks State Replies on Bengali Migrant Detentions
The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and eight state governments following allegations that Bengali-speaking migrant workers are being detained without proper verification.
Allegations of Targeted Action
A petition from a West Bengal-based migrant workers’ body claims that labourers, particularly from minority communities, are being apprehended merely on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals. It states that arrests are often made without checking official documents, raising concerns over the violation of constitutional rights.
Court’s Observations
A bench led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi remarked that while the issue of illegal migration must be addressed, no citizen should be detained without verification. The court stressed that identification checks must be thorough to avoid wrongful incarceration.
Proposed Coordination Mechanism
To address verification challenges, the court suggested forming a nodal agency to coordinate between states. This body would streamline the process of confirming migrant workers’ origins, ensuring that genuine citizens are not subjected to undue detention.
Next Hearing
The Centre and the concerned states have been given two weeks to respond. The matter will be taken up again after their submissions, where possible interim measures may be considered.
