Supreme Court Closes Case as Sunali Khatun’s Family is Reunited in India
New Delhi, India – Six months after the Supreme Court intervened to secure the return of a pregnant Sunali Khatun and her young son from Bangladesh, the family’s ordeal has finally drawn to a close. On Wednesday, the apex court was informed that Sunali’s husband has also been repatriated to India, successfully rejoining his family in West Bengal.
This development marks a significant victory for the family, who were victims of a wrongful deportation last year. Sunali Khatun, her husband, and their son were apprehended in Delhi on June 24, 2024, during what was described as an identification verification drive. Shockingly, just two days later, all members of the family were forcibly pushed across the border into Bangladesh from Assam.
The injustice of their deportation was first challenged by Sunali’s father, Bhodu Sekh, who courageously approached the Calcutta High Court. The High Court, recognizing the gravity of the situation, swiftly declared the deportations illegal and issued a directive to the government to facilitate their immediate return.
Despite the Calcutta High Court’s clear ruling, the government initially appealed against the order before the Supreme Court. However, acting on the Supreme Court’s explicit directions, Sunali and her son were finally brought back to India on December 5, 2024. The repatriation of her husband now completes the family’s reunification, allowing the Supreme Court to formally close the case.
This case highlights critical issues surrounding citizenship verification processes and the potential for wrongful deportations. The unwavering efforts of Bhodu Sekh and the timely intervention of both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court were instrumental in rectifying a grave injustice and ensuring the family’s right to live together in their home country. The successful reunion brings a much-needed sense of relief and closure to Sunali Khatun and her family after months of uncertainty and hardship.
