Supreme Court Questions Conditions at Matia Detention Centre
The Supreme Court of India has expressed severe concerns over the conditions at the Matia detention centre in Assam’s Goalpara, questioning the lack of basic amenities such as water, sanitation, food, and medical facilities. This facility, which cost ₹64 crore to build, is the largest detention centre in the country, housing individuals with disputed citizenship status or those deemed foreigners by tribunals.
During a recent hearing of the case concerning detention centres in Assam, a Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih scrutinized a report from the Assam Legal Services Authority on the state of the Matia camp. The Justices criticized the “sorry state of affairs,” pointing out the absence of essential services and questioning whether the responsibility for these deficiencies lies with the State Government or the Union Government.
In May, the Supreme Court had directed the Central government to expedite the deportation of 17 foreigners currently held in such detention centres. Justice Oka, in a lighter moment, had humorously noted that the detained individuals were receiving facilities typically reserved for Indian citizens.
Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the petitioner, highlighted additional issues, including the lack of recreational facilities and the uncertainty surrounding the deportation process, particularly whether Bangladesh has agreed to accept the detainees voluntarily.
The Bench has now called for a new report from the State Government and the Assam Legal Services Authority to address these issues. The Union Government has been asked to provide an update on the deportation status within three weeks. The case is scheduled for the next hearing on September 9, with Advocate Shuvodeep Roy representing the State of Assam.
(With inputs from agency)
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