SC seeks report on Bangla migrants

NEW DELHI, SEPT 20: The Supreme Court on Monday expressed serious concern over large-scale migration of Bangladeshis into the North-Eastern states posing the danger of changing the demography of the region and asked the Centre to file its response in this regard within eight weeks.

"It is a serious matter. Serious and honest attempts should be made to stop illegal infiltration into the North-Eastern states where it is threatening to change the demography," Chief Justice A S Anand, heading a three-judge bench observed, while a hearing a public interest litigation.

Additional Solicitor General R N Trivedi said Centre was actively considering the suggestion of Assam Government to repeal the Illegal Migrants (Deportation by Tribunals) Act, 1983 as according to the State it posed various problems in deporting illegal migrants.

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He, however, said a decision in this regard would be taken by the new government which would be constituted after the mid-term elections.

The bench comprising Justice Anand, JusticeM Srinivasan and Justice R C Lahoti was hearing the petition filed by All India Lawyers Forum for Civil Liberties.