Insaaf Times Desk

The Calcutta High Court has struck down the central government’s decision to deport two families from Birbhum district, West Bengal, to Bangladesh, calling the move “hasty and in violation of constitutional rights.” The court has ordered that the families be brought back to India within four weeks.

The affected family includes eight-month-pregnant Sunali Khatun, her husband Danish Sheikh, and their young son. The families were taken into custody on June 24 during an “identity verification drive” in Delhi and deported to Bangladesh two days later. Despite holding valid Indian citizenship documents, they were treated as illegal immigrants.

A bench comprising Justices Tapabrata Chakraborty and Reetobroto Kumar Mitra directed the central government to repatriate the families through the Indian High Commission in Dhaka within four weeks. The court emphasized that the deportation violated Articles 14, 20(3), and 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee equality, protection against self-incrimination, and the right to life and personal liberty.

The Supreme Court rejected the central government’s appeal against the order. The High Court also sought clarification on the documents and procedures used during the deportation process.

Following the verdict, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress MP Samirul Islam hailed the decision as “a victory for Bengalis” and “a clear judicial stance against the Centre’s anti-Bengali policies.” The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, termed the case “exceptional,” stating that illegal immigration is a serious issue requiring reconsideration.

The family’s six-year-old daughter, Afrina, who is staying with her grandparents in Birbhum, is anxiously awaiting her mother’s return. The court instructed the central government to ensure that the repatriation process is conducted carefully and in accordance with constitutional procedures, avoiding any hasty action.

This case underscores critical issues related to citizenship, human rights, and administrative accountability, highlighting the judiciary’s crucial role in upholding democracy.