The Supreme Court on Monday directed an NGO to provide detailed information on the residential status of Rohingya refugee children in Delhi, specifically whether they reside in makeshift camps or regular residential areas.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was hearing a petition filed by Social Jurist, an NGO, which challenged an October 2024 Delhi High Court ruling. The High Court had declined to consider a plea advocating for the enrolment of Rohingya children in local schools, stating that such decisions fall under the purview of the central government as a policy matter.

During the hearing, the apex court posed pointed questions to the petitioner’s counsel, inquiring about the refugees’ addresses and availability of essential identification such as ration cards. “Where are they (Rohingya refugee children) living? What is their address? Where are their ration cards?” the bench asked.

The petitioner’s counsel clarified that the plea was focused on ensuring educational opportunities for Rohingya refugee children, emphasizing their vulnerability and right to education. It was also asserted that these children were living in regular residential colonies rather than restricted camps.

Granting two weeks for the petitioner to submit detailed information about the families, the bench stated, “Counsel for the petitioner seeks and is granted two weeks’ time to file better particulars of the Rohingya families, who are stated to be residing in regular residential areas instead of a restricted makeshift camp. Post the matter on February 17.”

The case initially stemmed from the issue of 17 Rohingya children residing in Delhi’s Khajoori Chowk area. The petitioner had argued before the High Court that the Delhi government and MCD had denied these children admission to schools due to the absence of Aadhaar cards.

However, the High Court, refusing to intervene, advised the petitioner to make a representation to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, emphasizing that such decisions require policy-level deliberations. The matter will now resume before the Supreme Court in February.

Source: PTI

Also read: Delhi HC on Rohingya School Admissions: ‘Will Enter Mainstream, Centre to Decide’