The Supreme Court said if Rohingya are classified as ‘foreigners’ under Indian law, the central government can act against them as per the Foreigners Act.
The case involves petitions challenging the government’s authority to deport Rohingya refugees.
Petitioners argue that as UN-recognized refugees, Rohingyas should be protected under the Indian Constitution and international law.
They say deporting Rohingyas to Myanmar, where they face torture or death, violates the principle of non-refoulement (no return to danger).
The government said India is not bound by the UN Refugee Convention and can restrict or deport foreigners under national security grounds.
The Court noted that basic rights like life and equality apply to all, but the right to settle in India is only for Indian citizens.
Petitioners also argued that deportation could lead to genocide, referencing India’s recognition of the Genocide Convention.
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