India, June 18 -- The Gauhati high court has ordered the immediate release of a person who was illegally detained as part of a recent drive against illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, people aware of the matter said on Tuesday.

A division bench comprising justices Kalyan Rai Surana and Malasri Nandi issued the directive acting on a petition filed by Mozida Begum, a resident of Goalpara district, against the detention of her son Hasinur by the police since May 25.

"It becomes the duty of the court to protect the fundamental right of the detained person under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The arrest of a person, who is enlarged on bail (bail period extended by court) amounts to overreach of the orders passed by this court, and ...