Apex court questions Rohingyas’ legal status

The Supreme Court Tuesday sharply questioned the legal status of Rohingyas living in India and asked whether “intruders” should be given a “red carpet welcome” while the country’s own citizens grapple with poverty.

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made sharp observations while hearing a habeas corpus (bring the person) petition filed by rights activist Rita Manchanda alleging disappearance of few Rohingyas from the custody of authorities here.

Now, the hearing in the case has been adjourned to December 16. The counsel alleged certain Rohingyas were picked up by Delhi Police in May and there was no information about their whereabouts.

“If they do not have legal status to stay in India, and you are an intruder, we have a very sensitive border in the north India side. If an intruder comes, do we give them a red carpet welcome saying we would like to give you all facilities” the CJI asked, adding, “What is the problem in sending them back.”

He said India is a country with a lot of poor people, and we should rather focus on them.

“First you enter, you cross the border illegally. You dug a tunnel or crossed the fence and entered India illegally. Then you say, now that I have entered, your laws must apply to me and say, I am entitled to food, I am entitled to shelter, my children are entitled to education. Do we want to stretch the law like this," the CJI asked.