NEW DELHI, Jan 31: The Supreme Court today sought detailed information on the place of residence of Rohingya refugees in Delhi.
A Bench led by Justice Surya Kant directed an NGO to file an affidavit within two weeks specifying where the refugees are living, including whether they reside in government camps or regular residential areas.
“File an affidavit as to where they are staying, where exactly they are living. Are they in government camps or normal residential areas Which pockets are they living in ” the Bench asked while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Rohingya Human Rights Initiative through advocate Satya Mitra.
The PIL challenged a circular issued by the Delhi government on December 23, 2024, prohibiting the admission of Rohingya children in government schools. The circular emphasized strict adherence to admission procedures and document verification to prevent the enrollment of illegal Bangladeshi migrants.
Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the NGO, argued that the circular effectively barred Rohingya refugee children from school admissions. Gonsalves informed the Top Court that approximately 1,050 Rohingya refugees reside in Delhi, mainly in areas like Shaheen Bagh, Kalindi Kunj, and Khajuri Khas.
Initially, the Bench suggested that the petitioner approach the Delhi High Court instead, but Gonsalves emphasized the urgency due to approaching examinations. “Identification of students already admitted is underway after the circular. They may get expelled from schools,” Gonsalves warned.
In response, Justice Kant remarked, “They will be allowed to appear for exams when they are admitted first.”
The PIL seeks direction to the Delhi government to grant free admission to all Rohingya children, regardless of whether their families hold Aadhaar cards. It also requests that Rohingya children be permitted to take exams, including those for classes 10, 12, and graduation, without Aadhaar requirements.
The petition further calls for extending educational, healthcare, and food security benefits to Rohingya families, similar to those available to citizens under schemes like the Antyodaya Anna Yojana and the Food Security Act, of 2013.
The NGO also urged authorities to conduct surveys in refugee areas and proactively facilitate access to government and private schools and hospitals for Rohingya children.
The matter is now pending in the court for further consideration.
(UNI)
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