The Meghalaya government will shift around 30 foreign nationals to the MBOSE Hostel in Laitumkhrah, Shillong, by September 28. These individuals have completed their prison sentences but remain in custody while authorities work on their deportation. The Meghalaya High Court directed the state to move them to a temporary detention and holding centre.
The court issued the direction during a hearing on September 21. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W Diengdoh heard the matter. The case concerns foreign nationals who continue to stay in Meghalaya jails after completing their sentences.
High Court Sets September 28 Deadline
The Meghalaya High Court has set a clear deadline for the transfer. The court directed the government to move all eligible foreign nationals to the MBOSE Hostel at the earliest. It also fixed September 28 as the final date for the transfer.
The order followed a status report from the state government. The report said that around 30 foreign nationals had completed their prison terms. However, they remained in custody because officials had not completed their deportation process.
The court wants the state to move these individuals out of regular jails. The MBOSE Hostel will now serve as a temporary detention and holding centre while officials continue the required procedures.
The Inspector General of Prisons and Correctional Services has already instructed district jail authorities to begin the transfer process. Officials will move the concerned foreign nationals from different district jails to Shillong.
MBOSE Hostel Chosen as Temporary Centre
The Meghalaya government notified the MBOSE Hostel at Laitumkhrah as a temporary detention and holding centre on September 17. The Home (Political) Department issued the notification after the High Court did not accept an earlier proposal to use a building in Nongstoin.
The hostel has enough space for the group. According to the government report, the three-storey building has six dormitories and around 60 beds. This capacity can accommodate the approximately 30 foreign nationals who currently remain in custody.
The government has also planned security and administrative arrangements for the centre. Officials will deploy personnel to manage the facility and maintain security.
The hostel will also have medical support. CCTV cameras and fire-safety equipment will help authorities manage the facility. These arrangements aim to create a controlled environment for foreign nationals who await deportation.
Foreign Nationals Await Deportation
The main issue involves foreign nationals who have completed their court-ordered prison sentences. Their continued detention relates to pending deportation and repatriation procedures.
Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO), Kolkata, Nidhi Rani, informed the High Court about the progress of several cases. She told the court that authorities had issued deportation orders in four cases. Officials have started steps to repatriate those individuals.
Authorities must also examine the remaining cases. Each case may require coordination with the person’s country of nationality and other concerned agencies.
The court received details about several individuals who have spent long periods in custody. The report included two nationals from Myanmar, two from Nigeria and one Bangladeshi national who has remained in custody for more than five years.
The details have added urgency to the government’s effort to establish a separate holding facility.
Court Examines Prolonged Detention
The High Court is also examining the issue of prolonged detention after completion of a prison sentence. The court has asked the state government and the FRRO to provide details about possible compensation for people who remained in custody after completing their sentences.
The compensation issue forms part of the wider proceedings. The court wants officials to explain the legal and administrative position in such cases.
The matter has drawn attention to the difference between serving a criminal sentence and remaining in custody while authorities process deportation. A separate holding centre can allow the government to manage pending deportation cases without keeping such individuals in regular prisons.
Security and Medical Arrangements
The state government has prepared the MBOSE Hostel for its temporary role. The facility has around 60 beds, while the current group includes about 30 foreign nationals. This gives the authorities additional space for the present requirement.
Security will remain an important part of the centre’s operation. Officials will deploy security and administrative staff at the facility.
The government will also provide medical support. CCTV surveillance will help officials monitor the premises. Fire-safety equipment will address emergency requirements.
These arrangements will allow the centre to function separately from the state’s regular prison system. Officials can also coordinate deportation procedures from the new facility.
Earlier Nongstoin Proposal
The government initially considered a building in Nongstoin for the temporary detention centre. However, the High Court did not accept that proposal. The state then selected the MBOSE Hostel in Laitumkhrah.
The location in Shillong also provides access to government departments and agencies involved in the deportation process. Officials can coordinate with the FRRO and other authorities from the state capital.
The government now needs to complete the transfers within the court’s deadline.
Next Hearing on September 28
The Meghalaya High Court has scheduled the next hearing for September 28. The court has directed the concerned officials to appear either in person or through video conferencing.
The hearing will allow the court to review the progress of the transfers. Officials are also expected to provide updates on deportation efforts.
The court may also examine the status of the individuals who have already received deportation orders. Further directions could follow based on the government’s report and the progress made by the concerned agencies.
For the state government, completing the transfer by September 28 remains the immediate task.
Deportation Process Remains Key
Moving the foreign nationals to the MBOSE Hostel will address their immediate accommodation and detention arrangements. However, deportation remains the central issue in the pending cases.
The FRRO and other authorities will need to continue coordination with the respective countries. Documentation, identity verification and travel arrangements can affect the timeline for repatriation.
The government will therefore have to manage both the temporary detention facility and the individual deportation cases.
The High Court’s intervention has also brought attention to the need for a clear system for foreign nationals who finish their prison sentences but cannot leave the country immediately.
Conclusion
Meghalaya will shift around 30 foreign nationals to the MBOSE Hostel in Laitumkhrah by September 28. The Meghalaya High Court ordered the transfer after learning that these individuals had completed their prison sentences but remained in custody while awaiting deportation.
The three-storey hostel has around 60 beds across six dormitories. The government has also arranged security, medical support, CCTV surveillance and fire-safety measures.
Meanwhile, deportation proceedings have started in several cases. The FRRO has confirmed deportation orders in four cases. The High Court will review the progress at its next hearing on September 28.
The new temporary centre will separate post-sentence detention from regular prison custody while authorities continue the deportation process.