SC seeks Centre's response on plea against detention of Bengali-speaking migrants

The Supreme Court on Friday sought a detailed affidavit from the central government within a week in connection with the issue of Bengali-speaking migrant workers, following a PIL lodged by the West Bengal Migrant Welfare Board alleging that such workers are being detained across many states of the country on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals.

The apex court also directed the Calcutta High Court to hear cases like those of Sunali Khatun and others immediately and also decide on their citizenship.

West Bengal Migrant Welfare Board chairman Samirul Islam said on X, “Is our country making a USA-like wall? This is what the Honourable Supreme Court of India asked the Union government while hearing the case concerning the illegal push back/detention of migrant workers’ issue involving persons like Sunali Khatun and others. The Honourable apex court has also sought a detailed affidavit from the central government and other party states regarding the illegal pushback of young pregnant woman Sunali Khatun and others. They were persecuted only because their mother tongue is Bengali and they belong to our state.”

Meanwhile, chief minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed the Supreme Court's directives and observations, saying the order has instilled hope among countless vulnerable labourers stranded across the country.