Supreme Court directs Centre to check illegal migration at Indo-Bangladesh border

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Central Government to monitor fencing along the India-Bangladesh border and the construction of border roads to prevent illegal migrants entering Indian Territory from Bangladesh.

"The Supreme Court today passed this judgement on challenge to Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. Besides, referring the matter to the constitution bench, it has passed certain directions with regard to implementation of the Assam Accord with respect to border roads, flood lighting and fencing," said lawyer Manish Goswami.

"The Supreme Court has been very clear today in its judgement that it will henceforth monitor the implementation of the Assam Accord with respect to these three factors. It has given time to the Central and state governments to revert back with the progress report within three months from today as to the progress made on these three fronts," he added.

Sumiran Sharma, another lawyer, also talked about the apex court's judgement. "There were certain issues that were raised in the petitions, challenging the Constitutional validity of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act. They had framed 12 questions which they have referred to the constitutional bench," said Sharma. "Apart from that, the Supreme Court has also passed certain directions in which the Union of the India has been asked to strengthen the international border with Bangladesh," he added.

Apart from directing the Centre to expedite the discussions on the deportation of illegal migrants, the Supreme Court has also given orders that national registration of citizenship must be completed in border areas by January 1, 2016.