SC slams Assam government

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed its displeasure over the absence of Assam Chief Secretary Alok Kumar during the hearing on a plea and asked the Assam government if it should issue a non-bailable warrant against him. The SC was hearing the plea seeking humane treatment to immigrants at detention centers.

The bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said, "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." The apex court directed Chief Secretary Kumar to be present in the court during its next hearing on April 8.

SC also observed that the State is "dragging its feet in pursuing identification of migrants".

The SC bench was hearing a petition filed by social activist Harsh Mander, seeking the top court's direction for humane treatment to immigrants held in detention centers in Assam.