What is the Calcutta HC's response to claims of migrant workers from Bengal being deported to Dhaka?
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Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court has called for a report from the Union Home Ministry about the alleged deportation of migrant workers from West Bengal to Bangladesh. This development comes amidst ongoing tensions and accusations between political parties regarding the treatment of Bengali-speaking migrants in Delhi. Stay tuned as we unpack the implications of this situation.
Key Takeaways
- The Calcutta High Court is investigating claims of wrongful deportation.
- A report from the Union Home Ministry is awaited.
- The issue highlights tensions between political parties regarding migrant treatment.
- Upcoming hearings will provide further developments.
- The case underscores the complexities of migration policies in India.
Kolkata, July 11 (NationPress) A Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court has instructed the Union Home Ministry to present a report regarding allegations that certain migrant workers from West Bengal living in New Delhi have been sent back to Bangladesh.
The bench, comprising Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Reetobrata Kumar Mitra, also mandated West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to liaise with his counterpart in the Delhi government to acquire a report on the issue, which must also be submitted to the court.
The subsequent hearing on this matter is scheduled for July 16.
This direction comes in response to a petition from an advocate who claimed that some migrant workers from West Bengal in Delhi for employment had recently been labeled as Bangladeshi infiltrators and were deported back to Bangladesh.
The advocate revealed to the court that among those deported was an eight-year-old child who had been residing in Delhi with her parents.
Earlier, another case was presented at the Calcutta High Court, accusing the Odisha government of unlawfully detaining a group of migrant workers from West Bengal after categorizing them as illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators.
However, the petitioner in the Delhi case noted that, unlike the incident in Odisha, the detained workers from West Bengal were indeed deported to Bangladesh in this situation.
This development at the Calcutta High Court follows a heated exchange on social media between the BJP’s Information Technology Chief, Amit Malviya, and Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, concerning the alleged eviction and mistreatment of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in Delhi's Jai Hind Colony.
Malviya accused the Trinamool Congress of unnecessarily politicizing the situation, which he claimed arose from a court order identifying 26 illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators apprehended in that locality a few days prior.
In response, Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BJP is leading an anti-Bengali campaign following their electoral defeat in West Bengal.
She also contended that the harassment of migrant workers from West Bengal has primarily occurred in states governed by the BJP.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach the matter of migrant workers with a balanced perspective. While allegations of wrongful deportation deserve thorough investigation, it is equally important to consider the broader context of migration policies and the socio-political dynamics at play in our nation.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Calcutta High Court's intervention?
The intervention was prompted by allegations that migrant workers from West Bengal in Delhi were wrongfully deported to Bangladesh.
When is the next hearing scheduled?
The next hearing regarding this issue is set for July 16.
What role did the West Bengal Chief Secretary play?
The West Bengal Chief Secretary was directed to coordinate with his Delhi counterpart to gather relevant information.
What are the political implications of this case?
The case has sparked a political debate between the BJP and Trinamool Congress over the treatment of Bengali-speaking migrants.
Have similar cases occurred in other states?
Yes, similar accusations have been made regarding the detention of migrant workers in Odisha.
