Should we issue a non-bailable warrant against Assam Chief Secretary for being absent, asks Supreme Court

Expressing displeasure over the absence of Assam Chief Secretary Alok Kumar during a hearing on the plea seeking humane treatment to immigrants at detention centres, the Supreme Court on Monday asked the state government if "a non-bailable warrant" should be issued against him.

"There is a reason why we wanted the Chief Secretary to be present. But he is not here. Should we issue a non-bailable warrant against him," a bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi asked Assam government.

The bench also observed that the state is dragging its feet in pursuing identification of migrants. After the conclusion of arguments, the CJI headed bench posted the matter for hearing on April 8, and directed Chief Secretary Kumar to be present in the court.

Even during an earlier hearing, the apex court had pulled up the Centre and Assam government over the deportation of illegal migrants from the state. "It has become a joke and you haven't done anything," the bench had said.

The top court had also slammed Assam government for its laxity in acting against illegal migrants. Reprimanding the state government for inadequate functioning of foreigners' tribunals, the bench had asked: "What the state has done to tackle this serious problem."

The apex court was hearing a petition filed by social activist Harsh Mander, seeking the top court's direction for humane treatment to immigrants held in detention centres in the state. It also submitted that the immigrants should be treated as refugees, pending their repatriation.