Guwahati High Court Ruling Paves Way for Deportation of 25,000 Bangladeshi Nationals

In a landmark decision, the Guwahati High Court has opened the path for the deportation of 25,000 Bangladeshi nationals residing illegally in Assam. These individuals, who entered Assam between 1966 and 1971, failed to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), making them illegal immigrants. 

The ruling comes after the case of Begum Zan, a resident of Barpeta district, who was declared a foreigner by the Barpeta Foreigners’ Tribunal in 2020. She failed to register with the FRRO within the stipulated timeframe, which led to her deportation order. The Guwahati High Court dismissed her plea for an extension to register, citing that such requests were against Supreme Court guidelines. This decision affects many others in a similar situation who did not comply with the registration process.

This decision is based on Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which was introduced following the Assam Accord of 1985. This law categorizes immigrants based on their entry dates into Assam. Those who entered between January 1, 1966, and March 24, 1971, must register with the FRRO within 30 days, with a possible extension. Those who failed to register and were declared foreigners risk deportation.

The verdict has significant implications for individuals who entered Assam during this period and did not register. With the court’s backing, the Assam government may now begin deportation proceedings for around 25,000 such individuals. The decision brings attention to the ongoing issue of illegal immigration and highlights the need for strict immigration laws to manage such cases effectively.

The Assam government, following the court's ruling, is expected to take immediate steps to implement the decision, which may include the deportation of the affected individuals. This case is being closely followed as it could shape future immigration policies in Assam and across India.

The Guwahati High Court’s ruling is a crucial step in addressing the issue of illegal immigration in Assam. With many individuals still living in the state without proper documentation, the ruling sets a precedent for dealing with unregistered foreign nationals. It also underscores the importance of adhering to legal processes for immigrants and the challenges faced by authorities in managing undocumented migration.