Why Did the Calcutta HC Question the Centre About the Nationwide Identification of Bangladeshi Infiltrators?
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Synopsis
The Calcutta High Court is probing the timing and methods of the Union government's identification process for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. Questions arise on targeted practices against Bengali speakers and the rationale behind this nationwide initiative. What implications does this have for the communities involved?
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court questions the Union government on identification timing.
- Concerns over targeting of Bengali-speaking individuals.
- Government claims limited detentions and verifications.
- Next hearing on August 4 to further discuss the case.
- Legal implications for communities involved.
Kolkata, July 16 (NationPress) A division bench of the Calcutta High Court requested clarification from the Union government regarding the simultaneous initiation of the identification process for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators across all states. The bench, comprising Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty and Justice Reetobrata Kumar Mitra, inquired about the specific choice of June this year for this nationwide endeavor.
Additionally, the bench raised concerns over allegations that Bengali-speaking individuals were targeted indiscriminately during this identification process. These observations were made during a joint hearing of two petitions that claimed Bengali-speaking people were being unfairly singled out in states beyond West Bengal.
One petition highlighted alleged harassment of Bengali-speaking residents in Delhi, while the other focused on similar occurrences in Odisha. In one of the cases, Deputy Solicitor General Dhiraj Trivedi explained that the identification process was initiated following the Pahalgam terror attack, involving scrutiny of individuals exhibiting suspicious behavior.
Trivedi refuted claims of selective targeting, stating, “A total of 125 individuals were detained for verification, out of which five were repatriated to Bangladesh after confirming their citizenship. The remainder were released.”
In the other instance, Additional Solicitor General Asok Kumar Chakraborty questioned the jurisdiction of the Calcutta High Court, as a similar petition was already filed at the Delhi High Court prior to approaching the Calcutta HC.
The Additional Solicitor General contended that this situation could mislead the Calcutta High Court since the same issue shouldn’t be addressed by two High Courts simultaneously. The division bench expressed concern over this duplication and mandated the Union government to submit a comprehensive affidavit by July 28.
The next session for the case has been set for August 4.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize that the Calcutta High Court's scrutiny of the Union government's identification process reflects a broader concern about community rights and fairness in legal practices. Our commitment to upholding justice and transparency must prevail, ensuring that no group is unfairly targeted in the name of national security.
NationPress
16/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Calcutta High Court's inquiry?
The inquiry was prompted by the simultaneous initiation of the identification process for illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators across all states, raising concerns about possible discrimination against Bengali speakers.
What specific allegations were made during the hearings?
There were allegations that Bengali-speaking individuals were being indiscriminately targeted during the identification process in various states.
How did the government respond to these allegations?
The government, represented by Deputy Solicitor General Dhiraj Trivedi, stated that a total of 125 individuals were detained for verification, with only five confirmed as Bangladeshi citizens.
What is the significance of the hearing scheduled for August 4?
The hearing on August 4 will further address the issues raised and the Union government's obligation to submit a detailed affidavit regarding the identification process.
What are the implications of this case for Bengali-speaking communities?
The implications could be significant, potentially affecting the rights and treatment of Bengali-speaking individuals within the broader context of national security measures.
