Right to life extends to all: SC questions Assam on detention of foreign nationals
New Delhi: The Supreme Court criticised the Assam government on Wednesday for failing to justify the detention of foreign nationals in transit camps and demanded an explanation from the state’s chief secretary, who has been asked to appear via virtual mode during the next hearing.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and N Kotiswar Singh emphasised that the fundamental right to life extends to all individuals, including foreigners. The court directed the state to take immediate steps to deport the detainees to their respective countries.
The bench was hearing a case concerning 270 individuals held in detention centres or transit camps in Assam. It observed that some detainees had been languishing in the camps for over a decade. "The affidavit submitted by the state fails to provide reasons for detaining these individuals and does not detail the steps taken for their deportation. This is a gross violation of the court's orders," the bench remarked.
The court had previously granted six weeks for the state government to file a compliance affidavit. Dissatisfied with the lack of a detailed response, the court instructed the chief secretary to clarify the non-compliance.
The Assam government’s counsel informed the court that the deportation of illegal migrants is coordinated through the Union government. He explained that the state is responsible for providing complete details, including contact information, to the Ministry of External Affairs, which verifies the identities of the migrants via diplomatic channels.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had directed the Assam State Legal Services Authority to inspect the Matia transit camp, focusing on hygiene and food quality standards.
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Kiccha Sudeep declines Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor
Bengaluru: Actor Kiccha Sudeep has declined the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actor, which was announced for his performance in the film 'Pailwaan'.
Sudeep expressed his gratitude to the jury and the state government for recognizing his work, but revealed that he had made a personal decision several years ago to stop accepting awards.
In a post on X, Sudeep explained, "I have chosen to stop receiving awards for various personal reasons... There are many deserving actors who have poured their hearts into their craft and would appreciate this prestigious recognition far more than I would."
Sudeep emphasized that his dedication to entertaining people has always been driven by passion, rather than the expectation of awards. He thanked the jury for selecting him, stating that the recognition itself was reward enough.
The actor apologized for any disappointment his decision may cause and expressed his hope that the jury and the state government would respect his choice.
