The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the deportation of two Sudanese students, lodged at a detention centre here, back to their strife-torn homeland for violating visa guidelines.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India J S Khehar, however, took strong exception to the way the two foreign nationals had violated local laws by "vanishing without giving addresses".
Amir Ahmed and Khames Ahmed, studying in Benglaluru for almost three years, were required to intimate the authorities in advance if they proposed to leave the Karnataka capital. They are presently lodged at Lampur detention centre here and are on the verge of being deported to Sudan.
“In our country, you do not listen to the law. We are asked to listen to more of those who do not listen to our law. We are accommodating them and they cannot breach the rules. They must stay at a fixed place. You (lawyer) just close your eyes and think if somebody does the same in the US, what will happen?” Chief Justice Khehar said.
Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the students, said they faced threat of persecution if they are sent back to Sudan which is facing a civil war.
The Bench sought a response from the Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh and fixed the plea for further hearing on January 20.
The court reflected how tough it is to get the criminals, who are Indian citizens, deported from off-shore destinations.
“We ask for our criminals in other countries and they don't even return them. Why should we be so magnanimous when they don't bother?” Chief Justice Khehar observed orally.
