SC to Address Allegations of Bengali Migrant Detentions

New Delhi, Aug 14 (PTI) The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning allegations that Bengali-speaking migrant workers are being detained on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi chose not to issue any interim orders regarding these detentions, highlighting the potential repercussions such orders could have, particularly for those legitimately needing deportation who crossed borders illegally. The bench noted, "States employing these migrant workers are entitled to verify their authenticity with their states of origin, but interim measures could lead to complications for those unlawfully entering the country." The court asked advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing the petitioner West Bengal Migrant Welfare Board, to await responses from the Centre and nine states—Odisha, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and West Bengal. Bhushan argued that individuals are facing harassment merely because they speak Bengali and possess documents in that language, referencing a circular from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). He appealed for no detentions during inquiry processes, although he conceded that inquiries themselves were acceptable. The bench emphasized the need for a mechanism to ensure genuine citizens are not unduly troubled.

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