Telangana HC questions govt on legal status of Rohingya, Bangladesh refugees

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Wednesday, January 21, questioned the state government over the legal status of Bangladesh refugees and Rohingyas in India, questioning their eligibility to reside here and whether they have received any official recognition or rights from authorities.

The court observed that repatriating such refugees falls under the Central government’s purview, distancing the state from direct responsibility.

This came during the hearing of a petition filed by Ganesha Sena convener S Brahmachari, challenging police inaction on a plea for permission to hold the ‘Dharma Raksha Sabha’ on January 24 in Balapur, Ranga Reddy district.

Petitioner’s arguments

Senior counsel Ravichander, representing the petitioner, argued that these individuals entered India illegally and secured identity cards unlawfully, endangering peace and security. He stressed the event aimed to raise public awareness on the issue.

Government counsel Mahesh Raje countered that illegal immigrants are already being deported, rendering the proposed meeting unnecessary.

Justice NV Shravankumar of the Telangana High Court heard both sides and approved the event with conditions, disposing of the petition.