The officials assured the court that steps would be taken to repatriate the foreign nationals in coordination with the embassies concerned. (Representative image)

28 foreigners lodged in Meghalaya jails despite completing sentence: Govt to court

The officials assured the court that steps would be taken to repatriate the foreign nationals in coordination with the embassies concerned.

by · India Today

In Short

  • State will identify detention or holding centres within a week
  • An affidavit will detail further steps once those centres are finalised
  • Senior home, prisons and police officials appeared personally before the bench

The Meghalaya government has told the high court that 28 foreign nationals are still lodged in jails across the state even after completing their sentences. It also said detention or holding centres would be identified within a week to house them until arrangements are made for their repatriation.

The submission was made before a division bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh during the hearing of a case related to the detention of foreign nationals on Thursday. The state said it would file an affidavit setting out the steps to be taken after the detention or holding centres are identified.

Additional Advocate General K Khan made the submission before the bench. In compliance with the high court's September 9 order, Commissioner and Secretary, Home (Political) Department, Rosetta Mary Kurbah, Commissioner and Secretary, Home (Prisons), Ryntihlang Rapthap, Inspector General of Prisons Zenith Sangma, and SP-cum-Foreigners Registration Office Vivek Syiem appeared in person before the court.

The officials assured the court that steps would be taken to repatriate the foreign nationals in coordination with the embassies concerned. Khan also submitted a list of foreign nationals who have remained in jails beyond the completion of their sentences, and the court took it on record.

The court said the authorities, including the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority, should assist the inmates in completing the formalities required for their return to their respective countries.

The bench also directed that help be provided for applying for the necessary documentation, including Foreigners Registration-related formalities, in cases where the foreign nationals have married Indian citizens and have children.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 17. In all, the case centres on the continued lodging of 28 foreign nationals in Meghalaya jails after their sentences ended and the steps being taken to move them to holding centres and complete the process for their repatriation.

- Ends