SHILLONG — The Meghalaya High Court has questioned the government’s proposal to use a prison building at Nongstoin as a temporary detention centre for foreign nationals, calling the plan “nothing but an eyewash”.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh noted that the structure is being built as a prison, with high-security walls and a design that does not resemble a detention or holding centre.
The Court said using the building for foreign nationals awaiting verification and deportation would amount to shifting inmates from one prison to another.
The Bench also took note of Bangladeshi and Myanmar nationals who have remained in Meghalaya jails for months or years after completing their sentences. Two Bangladeshi nationals were deported on September 10 after spending more than two months at Nongpoh Jail beyond their sentences.
The Court directed authorities to immediately take up such cases with the Bangladesh High Commission so that repatriation can be arranged after prisoners complete their sentences.
Shillong SP-cum-Foreigners Registration Officer Vivek Syiem has been directed to appear personally before the Court on September 21 at 2 pm.
FRRO Kolkata Nidhi Rani, IPS, will join through video conference, while the Commissioner and Secretary, Home (Political), must also remain present. The government advocate has been asked to take instructions on compensation for illegal detention, including cases involving foreigners who allegedly remained in custody for more than four years and 10 years beyond their lawful period.
The Court has also directed the government to identify a proper detention or holding centre compliant with Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines by September 21.
Failure to move those who have completed their sentences could now carry a financial consequence for the state, with the Court warning that compensation may be payable for every day of further detention.
