Supreme Court orders overhaul of Assam detention centres
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday issued a stern directive to the Assam government to improve the deplorable conditions in the state's detention camps within a month.
The court expressed deep concern over the lack of basic amenities, including healthcare, at these facilities.
A bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih highlighted the dire situation, particularly at the Matia detention center in Assam, the country's largest.
The bench pulled up the absence of adequate water, sanitation, and medical facilities, calling it a "sorry state of affairs."
The court has ordered state authorities to inspect the camps, meet with relevant officials, and submit a report by December 9.
The Assam Legal Services Authority's secretary has also been directed to participate in this process.
The Court was hearing a case regarding the condition of Assam's detention centres, where persons with doubtful citizenship or those deemed foreigners by tribunals are detained.
In May, the Supreme Court ordered the deportation of 17 detainees who had no pending criminal cases.
Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves represented the petitioner, while Advocate Shuvodeep Roy appeared for the state of Assam.