Thu May 08 21:22:51 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court to Decide Fate of Rohingya Refugees in India
**NEW DELHI, May 9, 2025** – The Indian Supreme Court is considering the legality of deporting Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar. A three-judge bench heard arguments on Thursday challenging the government’s authority to deport them.
Petitioners, represented by senior advocates Colin Gonsalves and Prashant Bhushan, argued that the Rohingya, recognized as refugees by the UNHCR, are entitled to constitutional protection against deportation due to the risk of persecution and death in Myanmar. They cited reports of recent deportations, including families with UNHCR cards.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta countered that India is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention and that the government’s power to control the entry and exit of foreigners is absolute, particularly concerning national security. He also noted that while fundamental rights like the right to life and equality apply, the right to settle in India is limited to citizens.
The court acknowledged the petitioners’ concerns but emphasized that the right to reside in India is not guaranteed for non-citizens. The judges stated that if the refugees are deemed “foreigners” under the Foreigners Act, they will be dealt with according to the law. The court also noted India’s recognition of the Genocide Convention, and the petitioners’ argument that deportation could constitute a violation of international law.
The court agreed to a further hearing in July to comprehensively consider the issue, leaving the fate of the Rohingya refugees in India temporarily undecided. The case highlights the complex legal and humanitarian challenges posed by the Rohingya crisis within India.
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