Amid Odisha's action against illegal Bangladeshi, SC says India not a dharamshala for foreign nationals

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea by a Sri Lankan national seeking refuge in India, stating that the country cannot be a "dharamshala" (open shelter) for foreign nationals. 

The bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and K Vinod Chandran stated that India is “struggling” with its 140 crore population and cannot accommodate refugees from across the world.

The petitioner, arrested in 2015 for alleged links with the banned Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), had served a seven-year sentence under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Though his lawyer argued that his family had settled in India and his life would be at risk in Sri Lanka, the court refused, stating that the right to reside in India is reserved for citizens only.

Odisha Cracks Down on Illegal Bangladeshi Migrants

Meanwhile, the Odisha government announced a drive to identify and deport illegal Bangladeshi migrants, particularly in coastal districts. State Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, on Monday, said no Bangladeshi nationals would be employed through outsourcing companies.

Last year, Odisha identified 3,740 illegal Bangladeshi residents, with the highest numbers in Kendrapara (1,649) and Jagatsinghpur (1,112). Authorities suspect many entered via sea routes.

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No Right to Resettlement, Says SC

The Supreme Court reiterated that foreign nationals cannot claim the right to settle in India, citing constitutional provisions that protect only citizens. The bench advised the Sri Lankan petitioner to seek asylum elsewhere if he feared persecution.

This ruling follows a similar stance on Rohingya deportations, where the court questioned the right of foreigners to reside in India. With Odisha intensifying its crackdown and the judiciary taking a firm stand, India’s position on illegal immigration remains uncompromising.