India, Dec. 3 -- The Supreme Court on Tuesday sharply questioned the legal status of Rohingyas living in India and asked whether "intruders" should be given a "red carpet welcome" while the country's own citizens grapple with poverty. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made sharp observations while hearing a habeas corpus (bring the person) petition filed by rights activist Rita Manchanda alleging the disappearance of a few Rohingyas from the custody of authorities here. The next hearing is scheduled on December 16.

The counsel alleged that certain Rohingyas were picked up by the Delhi Police in May and there was no information about their whereabouts. "If they do not have legal status to stay in Indi...