Date:04/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/04/stories/2008120454320400.htm

New Delhi

High Court summons Welfare Secretary

Staff Reporter

To explain alleged absence of basic amenities in the deportation camp for foreign nationals

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday summoned the Welfare Secretary of the Delhi Government to explain alleged absence of basic amenities in the deportation camp for foreign nationals here.

A Division Bench of the Court comprising Justice A. P. Shah and Justice S. Muralidhar summoned him on a joint complaint by 11 foreign nationals awaiting deportation to their native places in the deportation camp at R. K. Puram in South Delhi.

They have written their complaint in a joint letter to the Delhi High Court Chief Justice drawing his attention to alleged absence of basic amenities at the camp.

The Bench asked the Secretary to appear before the Court on December 10.

The foreign nationals complained that the quality of food served to them was abysmal and the lodging was uncomfortable. There was no facility for medical care nor any telephone facility to communicate with their family members. The camp is maintained by the Foreign Regional Registration Office to keep foreign nationals for a limited period before their deportation formalities are completed for sending them back to their native places.