SC: Can't deport Rohingyas detained in Jammu without due procedure

The Supreme Court on Thursday said that Rohingya refugees detained in Jammu shall not be deported to Myanmar without following the prescribed procedure. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India S A Bobde delivered its order on a plea filed by a Rohingya refugee through Advocate Prashant Bhushan.

The plea said that refugees have been illegally detained and jailed in the Jammu Sub Jail which has been converted into a holding center, with the Jammu police saying they face deportation back to Myanmar following verification by their embassy. The plea added that the move goes against India’s commitment to refugee protection and its obligations against sending refugees back to a place where they face persecution.

Earlier this month, India’s move to deport a 14-year-old Rohingya girl to Myanmar drew criticism from UNHCR and rights groups.