New Delhi, Jan 31 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered to maintain the status quo in the Rohingya Muslim refugees case, till the next date of hearing on March 7.
Noted lawyer and senior Supreme Court advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for one of the petitioners Mohammed Sallimullah, submitted to the three-judge bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice (CJI) Dipak Misra, that those Rohingyas who want to come to India, should not be pushed back by the Border Security Forces (BSF).
The force is allegedly using chilli powder to push them. He told the top court of the country that this kind of alleged act is gross violation of the international conventions on refugees.
Mr Bhushan submitted to the Court that the Indian government must be prevented from stopping more Rohingyas entering India, because of persecution faced in Myanmar.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tusshar Mehta submitted before the apex court bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, that the Union of India is effectively taking diplomatic steps to solve the crisis.
The NHRC, through senior advocate Gopal Subramanium, said the refugees have a right to approach the SC for securing their basic rights like education and health care, as well as security.
Mr Mehta said the petitioners have no complaint of any refugee being thrown out of the country. He said he will file reply in four weeks to a plea for giving refugee children access to education and other facilities.
UNI XC RJ 1407