New Delhi, Oct. 8 -- Refugees in India cannot claim legal relief merely based on UNHCR-issued cards, as such documents have no statutory recognition under Indian law, the Supreme Court said while hearing a plea of a Sudanese national seeking interim protection from deportation.
In a sharp observation that underscores growing judicial concern over the operations of international bodies in India, the apex court questioned the United Nations agency's practice of issuing refugee cards to immigrants residing in the country.
Refusing to grant interim relief to a Sudanese national who has been living in India since 2013 and sought interim protection from deportation while awaiting asylum status, Justice Surya Kant said, "We have to be very, very...