The Supreme Court has directed the Indian government to bring back Sonali Khatoon, a Bangladeshi national who was previously deported, to India on humanitarian grounds. The Centre has agreed to repatriate Khatoon, her eight-year-old son, and indicated that they will be placed under surveillance and receive medical assistance. The decision, announced by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, emphasized that this repatriation is solely based on humanitarian considerations, acknowledging Khatoon’s prior residence in Birbhum, India, despite her Bangladeshi nationality. The Supreme Court noted the government’s commitment to providing free medical care and necessary facilities for Khatoon, particularly given her condition, and ensuring her child’s daily care. This order follows an appeal by the Union Government against a Calcutta High Court ruling that had previously mandated the family’s return. The High Court’s decision was initiated by a petition from Khatoon’s father, who claims his daughter and son-in-law are Indian citizens by birth and were unlawfully deported. The government, however, had previously stated that the deported individuals lacked documentation to prove their Indian citizenship.
