Hyderabad, Dec. 6 -- Retired Judges, practising lawyers, and other academics have written an open letter to the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, on Friday, December 5, criticising his remarks on the status of Rohingyas in India.

On Tuesday, December 2, a bench comprising CJI Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi in the Supreme Court had 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.

The observations were made 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.

"If they d...