Overview

• The three-judge bench has segmented 22 petitions into Rohingya-related, non-Rohingya and separate batches to streamline hearings over the next three days.
• The court delineated four focal questions on refugee classification, deportation authority, detention or bail entitlements, and provision of basic amenities in camps.
• Solicitor General Tushar Mehta asserted India’s non-participation in the 1951 Refugee Convention and the Centre’s absolute power under Section 3 of the Foreigners Act over foreign entry and exit.
• Advocates Prashant Bhushan and Colin Gonsalves urged recognition of UNHCR refugee status and invocation of non-refoulement to prevent return of Rohingyas to Myanmar.
• These proceedings follow earlier Supreme Court findings that UNHCR cards carry no legal weight in India and that Andaman Sea push-back claims were unsubstantiated.