Rohingya case: Holistic hearing in Supreme Court on Nov 21

The Supreme Court on Friday said the Rohingya refugee problem was of a “great magnitude” and the state would have to play a “big role” in striking a balance between national interests and human rights while dealing with the contentious issue.

Fixing November 21 as the date from which it would start a detailed and “holistic hearing” to a clutch of petitions challenging the government’s decision to deport Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar, the bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra observed that a balance has to be struck between national interest and human rights as the issue involved national security, economic interests and humanity.

Meanwhile, the Centre asserted that dealing with Rohingyas is an executive function and should remain in its domain.

“The Central Government is of the opinion that deportation of illegal immigrants have to be dealt with only by it because it is essentially an executive function of the government,” said a spokesperson in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

“Questions regarding illegal immigrants needs to be examined keeping in mind diplomatic consideration, internal security situation, demographic changes in the country and duties of the Central Government towards its own citizens.”

Earlier in the day, the bench suggested to the Centre not to deport …read more