New Delhi/IBNS, Dec. 3 -- The Supreme Court on Tuesday strongly criticised a petitioner seeking proper deportation procedures for Rohingyas, questioning whether the Indian government had ever recognised the ethnic group as "refugees".

A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing a habeas corpus plea alleging the custodial disappearance of Rohingyas who were reportedly detained by Delhi Police in May.

The petitioner's counsel clarified that the plea neither sought refugee status nor opposed deportation but demanded that due process be followed.

The counsel argued the plea only aimed to prevent "third-degree methods" in the deportation process.

In May, a bench led by Justice Kant had earlier dismi...