Top Court questions language-based presumption of 'illegal immigration'

Directs Cal HC to urgently hear case of Birbhum woman sent to B’desh

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

The Supreme Court on Friday questioned the practice of treating Bengali-speaking persons as undocumented Bangladeshi immigrants, observing that language alone could not determine an individual's citizenship.

Hailing the directive, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote on X: "Today (29 Aug 2025), the Hon'ble Supreme Court heard a PIL on the detention of migrant workers from Bengal. The Apex Court acknowledged Bengal's historic role as a border State - a land that has given refuge, strength, and culture through generations. A direction has been issued to hear the plea of the migrant workers on priority in the High Court - this comes as a huge relief to the detained workers.

The recognition of Bengal's unique context gives hope to countless Bengali-speaking workers across our motherland, whose labour and sacrifice strengthen families across India. I stand firmly by them. We repose full faith in the judiciary to ensure dignity, fairness, and constitutional justice for every worker from Bengal."