Humanitarian Appeal Succeeds: India to Welcome Deported Woman Back

India’s Supreme Court has intervened on humanitarian grounds, instructing the government to bring back Sonali Khatoon, a Bangladeshi national, and her son after their deportation. The Central government has assured the apex court that it will arrange for their return, promising surveillance and medical aid for the mother and child. This action underscores a compassionate approach, as highlighted by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, recognizing Khatoon’s prior life in India. The Supreme Court’s order specifically mentioned the provision of free medical treatment for Khatoon, considering her pregnancy, and ensuring the welfare of her child. The government’s appeal against a Calcutta High Court decision, which had previously ordered the family’s return, led to this Supreme Court directive. The case was brought forward by Khatoon’s father, who argued that his daughter and son-in-law were Indian citizens by birth and faced illegal detention and deportation. He cited his own status as a permanent resident of West Bengal. The government’s previous stance was that the deported individuals failed to furnish documentary evidence of their Indian citizenship.