India not a signatory, UNHCR card not valid right here, says court | India News

THANE: Additional periods choose G T Pawar on Monday sentenced eight Rohingya Muslims to 2 years of easy imprisonment and fined Rs 10,000 every for illegally coming into and residing in India with out correct documentation. The court additionally ordered their deportation to Myanmar upon completion of their sentence. A ninth accused, who was charged with abetting their unlawful entry, was acquitted because of a lack of proof.The case dates again to Feb 2024, when the police obtained a tip-off about some international nationals dwelling close to the Uttan shore. During a raid at Chowkgaon, police discovered a number of people trying to flee. Upon detention, they had been discovered carrying UNHCR playing cards that confirmed their Myanmar citizenship. However, the court clarified that such playing cards maintain no authorized worth in India, because the nation is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol. Letters from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office and police authorities additional confirmed that holders of UNHCR playing cards are not permitted to reside in India.Judge Pawar cited SC’s ruling in Mohammad Salimullah vs Union of India (2021), which allowed for the deportation of Rohingya Muslims following due process. The court additionally referred to previous judgments stating that the burden of proving citizenship lies on the accused. During sentencing, the accused appealed for mercy on humanitarian grounds, stating that situations in Myanmar had been unsafe. However, the court rejected the plea, noting that India’s inhabitants burden and inner safety issues override such concerns.