Supreme Court Seeks Response on Rohingya Refugees’ Indefinite Detention
New Delhi, India – The Supreme Court of India has asked the Centre to respond to a plea regarding the indefinite detention of Rohingya asylum seekers and refugees. The court has set a deadline of August 27, 2024, for the response.
A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, issued the notice on August 12, 2024. The plea, filed by Rita Manchanda, challenges the detention of Rohingya refugees, including women and children, as a violation of legal procedures.
Rita Manchanda, a scholar specializing in South Asian conflicts, has documented the conditions of Rohingya detainees in her report titled ‘Destinies Under Detention.’ The report highlights issues such as lack of clean water, nutritious food, mental health support, and education for detained Rohingyas.
The petition also notes that some detainees have died in detention, including a minor. Manchanda’s plea seeks the release of Rohingya detainees held for over two years under the Foreigner’s Act, 1946, and the Passports Act, 1929, subject to reasonable restrictions.
The petition urges the Centre to provide details of all detained Rohingyas and to issue identity documents as per the Passport Rules, 1980. It also calls for the assessment of refugee status claims within three months and either grant long-term visas or arrange for third-country resettlement.
Doubts Revealed
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions about laws and justice.
Rohingya Refugees -: Rohingya refugees are people from Myanmar who have left their country because of violence and are seeking safety in other countries, including India.
Indefinite Detention -: Indefinite detention means keeping someone in jail or a detention center for an unknown or very long period without a set release date.
Centre -: In this context, ‘Centre’ refers to the central government of India, which is responsible for making and enforcing laws across the country.
Plea -: A plea is a formal request made to a court asking for a specific action or decision.
Rita Manchanda -: Rita Manchanda is a scholar who studies and writes about important social issues. She filed the plea to help the Rohingya refugees.
Living Conditions -: Living conditions refer to the environment and quality of life that people experience, including their housing, food, and safety.
Legal Violations -: Legal violations are actions that go against the laws and rules of a country.
Refugee Status -: Refugee status is a special protection given to people who have fled their country due to danger or persecution, allowing them to stay in another country.
Identity Documents -: Identity documents are official papers like ID cards or passports that prove who a person is.
Resettlement -: Resettlement is the process of moving refugees to a new place where they can live safely and start a new life.
