New Delhi, May 20, ( OT Webdesk) – The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the plea of a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee seeking to remain in India, citing concerns over population strain and legal standing.
The ruling, delivered by a bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice K Vinod Chandran, emphasised that India could not serve as a global shelter for refugees.
The petitioner was previously convicted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) due to alleged links with the banned Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
is sentence was later reduced by the Madras High Court, which ordered his deportation upon completion of the term.
During proceedings, the petitioner argued that he had entered India legally, served his sentence, and had family residing in the country.
He also cited concerns for his safety if deported to Sri Lanka.
However, the court rejected these arguments, stating that fundamental rights such as Article 19 apply only to Indian citizens.
Justice Datta reinforced that India’s resources must prioritise domestic challenges over foreign nationals with tenuous legal status. The bench advised the petitioner to seek asylum in another country.
The ruling underscores India’s firm stance on refugee policies and national security, highlighting the legal and demographic considerations that shape such decisions.
