Indian govt misses Calcutta HC deadline to repatriate 6 nationals from Bangladesh
As of now, those left behind are still waiting, and concerns about their uncertain situation continue to grow.
A four-week deadline set by the Calcutta High Court for the central government of India to bring back Sunali Khatun, an expectant mother from Birbhum, along with five others from Bangladesh, passed yesterday (24 October) without action.
Initially established on 26 September, the timeline ordered by Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Reetobroto Kumar Mitra required that all six members of two Birbhum families, including a pregnant Sunali and three children, be repatriated, reports The Telegraph.
The court also annulled the central government's decision to deport the group, which includes Sunali's husband and minor son.
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As of now, those left behind are still waiting, and concerns about their uncertain situation continue to grow.
"Today, the four-week deadline given by the court has passed. The family members are distressed, waiting to know when they will return home.
"Unfortunately, the central government has not taken any initiative to bring back those poor people who were unlawfully deported," the Indian daily quoted Samirul Islam, Trinamool Rajya Sabha member and chairman of the West Bengal Migrant Workers' Welfare Board, as saying.
The families involved are considering legal action again, citing non-compliance with the court's September order.
"We will certainly see an end to this and ensure their return legally," Samirul Islam added.
Sunali and the others were reportedly detained by the Delhi Police under suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals and subsequently deported.
Family members of Sunali and Sweety Biwi asserted in court that the deportees were in fact Indian residents from Murarai, Birbhum.
To assist in their case, the court instructed the Indian government to communicate with its high commission in Dhaka regarding the necessary steps for repatriation.
Additionally, upon being detained by Bangladeshi authorities for illegal infiltration, the group appeared in a local court where their documents were verified.
In a recent order, the court recognised Sunali and the other five individuals, including the children, as Indian citizens and asked the Indian High Commission in Dhaka to expedite their return, reports The Telegraph.
Later, they were produced before the same court in Chapainawabganj again for framing of charges; however, the charges were not framed.
Family members remain concerned for the six individuals, especially for Sunali, who is nearing her delivery date, as they are still caught in the legal ramifications of their predicament.
