P&H High Court Challenges Inhumane Detention of West Bengal Migrants in Gurugram

The Punjab & Haryana High Court, hearing a Public Interest Litigation, addressed allegations that hundreds of migrants from West Bengal, belonging to a specific community, were detained in Gurugram under inhumane conditions despite being bona fide Indian citizens. Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry sought clarification on whether the detainees were held for any offense. Petitioner counsel confirmed the detentions were arbitrary, based on suspicion of illegal migration, despite verification by West Bengal Police confirming their Indian citizenship. The plea highlighted the lack of family notification, substandard conditions in community centers, and possible violations of civil liberties. The Court examined the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on illegal foreign nationals, noting it was not publicly available, raising concerns over transparency and procedural compliance. The PIL requests the Court to direct proper verification protocols, cease illegal detentions, investigate police misconduct, and rehabilitate affected migrants. The matter was adjourned for further hearing on September 30. The case underscores the judiciary’s active role in safeguarding human rights, ensuring government accountability, and emphasizing that administrative actions must respect due process and humane treatment.