Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya discovered 17 foreign nationals locked in Shillong District Jail after they finished their prison terms. Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh made the discovery during a surprise jail visit on Wednesday. They found 15 Bangladeshis, one person from Myanmar, and one Nigerian citizen trapped behind bars.
One Myanmar national served 10 extra years. A Bangladeshi national stayed four years past his release date. Others have lingered between six months and two years. Earlier, Additional Advocate General Khalid Khan claimed only one foreigner remained in custody. The bench labeled that report as “completely misleading and incorrect.”
Amicus Curiae Tshering Yangi B. also reported 11 more prisoners sitting in Williamnagar, Tura, and Nongpoh jails after serving their time. It remains unclear if those individuals are foreign nationals or Indian citizens. The Inspector General of Prisons admitted no detention centers exist to hold foreign nationals awaiting deportation.
The court ruled this confinement illegal. It violates Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Officials from the Home Police Department, the Department of Prisons, and the Foreigners Registration Office must appear in court on September 10. Judges will also weigh future compensation for the detainees. The state must find a place to use as a holding center immediately.
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