Day 4 Arguments

March 7th 2018

This matter was heard by the 3 judge bench headed by the Chief Justice Dipak Misra. Mr Prashant Bhushan, representing Mr Muhammad Salimaullah had filed an IA (interim application) last week for ensuring that Rohingya children are given access to education and healthcare.

In the last hearing on 31st March 2018, Mr Bhushan had pointed out that the State was denying Rohingya refugees basic rights such as access to education and healthcare. He had also argued that the principle of “Non-Refoulement” should extend to Rohingya refugees trying to get into India and not just to those already residing in India. He argued that benefits are provided to the children of Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees, where they are given access to schools, aanganwadis and basic healthcare facilities.

He prayed to the Bench to extend these benefits to Rohingya children. He emphasised on the urgency as this deals with basic human rights, in light of pushback by the government at the borders.

ASG Tushar Mehta replied that the Union will reply to this IA by 16th March 2018. The matter will next be heard on March 19, 2018.

(The report relies on inputs from Ms. Ashrutha Rai)