Tue Dec 02 19:54:41 UTC 2025: News Article Summary:
An Indian man, Bhodu Sheikh, is anxiously awaiting the return of his pregnant daughter, Sunali Khatun, her husband, and their child, who were deported to Bangladesh earlier this year. The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to consider allowing Sunali and her son back into India on humanitarian grounds. Bhodu Sheikh is pleading for his son-in-law to also be allowed to return. The family was deported after being arrested in Delhi on charges of illegal immigration, a move later deemed “illegal” by the Calcutta High Court. A Trinamool Congress MP reports that Sunali and her family have been granted bail in Bangladesh and are awaiting repatriation. Her sister is worried about Sunali’s well-being, as she is heavily pregnant and without family support. The Supreme Court will hear the matter on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
News Article:
Supreme Court Considers Humanitarian Appeal for Deported Pregnant Woman
New Delhi, December 3, 2025 – The Supreme Court is weighing a humanitarian appeal to allow a pregnant Indian woman, Sunali Khatun, and her young son to return to India after they were deported to Bangladesh earlier this year. The case has garnered attention amid concerns about the treatment of individuals accused of illegal immigration.
Sunali Khatun, along with her husband Danish Sheikh, and their eight-year-old son, were deported on June 27, 2025, after being detained by Delhi police on accusations of being illegal Bangladeshi citizens. However, the Calcutta High Court later overturned this action, deeming it “illegal” based on petitions from Sunali’s father, Bhodu Sheikh, and Sweety Bibi’s husband, who affirmed their Indian citizenship.
Now, with Sunali heavily pregnant and due to deliver her third child, her father, Bhodu Sheikh, is desperate for her return. “Until I see her walk through the door of my house, I will not be relieved,” he told The Hindu. “What will be the nationality of my grandchild if they are born in another country?”
On Monday, December 1, 2025, the Supreme Court, hearing an appeal from the Centre against the High Court’s order, requested Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to consider allowing Sunali and her son’s return on humanitarian grounds. Bhodu Sheikh is also urging the court to allow his son-in-law, Danish Sheikh, to return as well.
Trinamool Congress MP Samirul Islam has stated that Sunali Khatun and her family are currently in safe custody in Bangladesh, awaiting repatriation after being granted bail.
Sunali Khatun’s sister, Roshni Khatun, voiced concerns about the well-being of her pregnant sister, emphasizing the lack of support she has in Bangladesh. “There’s no one to take care of her. How will Sunali manage if she’s not brought back before the delivery?” she asked.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, and its decision will have significant implications for the family and broader questions surrounding immigration and citizenship rights in India.
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