Overview

• Hearing a Sudanese man's plea for interim protection, Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi criticised the UNHCR for issuing refugee cards, saying the agency had "opened a showroom" in India.
• The court declined interim relief and disposed of the petition, granting the petitioner liberty to approach the NHRC for directions, including protection from coercive action.
• The bench reiterated that UNHCR-issued documents do not create enforceable rights under Indian law, noting India's non‑ratification of the Refugee Convention.
• The petitioner has lived in India since 2013 and is seeking resettlement in Australia, while his wife and children hold UNHCR cards; his counsel sought temporary protection pending that process.
• Counsel argued the cards follow rigorous verification and can influence administrative treatment by the MHA and FRRO, and flagged recent enforcement drives in Delhi that have heightened community fear.