India’s Supreme Court has rejected a plea alleging that 43 Rohingya refugees were forcibly deported from the country and abandoned in international waters, labeling it a “beautifully crafted story” without sufficient evidence.
The court, which was hearing two separate pleas filed by Rohingya refugees seeking its intervention, dismissed one of the petitions citing lack of material evidence to support claims. The bench of justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh declined to pass any interim orders, saying that the petition’s “vague, evasive and sweeping statements” were insufficient.
The court also noted that a similar issue had been raised earlier in a three-judge bench composition and declined a stay on it. The matter is now being tagged with other pending cases related to Rohingya deportation and has been posted for hearing on July 31.
Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the petitioners, argued that the United Nations Human Rights Office had taken cognizance of the allegations and initiated an inquiry. However, the court ruled that foreign reports cannot override Indian sovereignty.
The case comes as India is facing criticism for its handling of Rohingya refugees. The Supreme Court’s decision on this matter highlights the challenges in balancing human rights concerns with national security interests.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news