Archive · 11 Sep 2026
28 Foreign Nationals Remain Jailed After Completing Meghalaya Sentences
The Meghalaya government told the state’s High Court that 28 foreign nationals are still in jail.
They have already finished the sentences given to them.
The government plans to move them to special holding centres.
Officials will work with the people’s embassies to send them back to their countries.
The court wants this process to happen properly.
It also asked legal services officials to help the inmates with paperwork.
Extra help will be given to people who married Indian citizens and have children.
The court will hear the matter again on September 17.
The Meghalaya government told the high court that 28 foreign nationals remain in state jails after completing their sentences.
The government said it would identify detention or holding centres within a week.
Officials said repatriation would be coordinated with the foreign nationals’ embassies.
The court directed authorities and the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority to help inmates complete return formalities.
The case will be heard again on September 17, after the government files an affidavit outlining its steps.
- Who
- The Meghalaya government, 28 foreign nationals, Meghalaya High Court officials, and the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority.
- What
- The government reported that 28 foreign nationals remain jailed despite completing their sentences and promised steps toward their detention and repatriation.
- When
- The submission was made on September 11; the next hearing is scheduled for September 17.
- Where
- Various jails in Meghalaya, with detention or holding centres to be identified by the state government.
- Why
- The foreign nationals must be accommodated and assisted with documentation until arrangements are made for their return to their countries.
- Foreign nationals affected
- 28
- Current location
- Various jails in Meghalaya
- Government deadline
- Identify detention or holding centres within one week
- Repatriation coordination
- The government will coordinate with the concerned embassies
- Court assistance order
- Authorities and the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority must help with return formalities
- Additional documentation
- Assistance must be provided for Foreigners Registration-related formalities, including for foreign nationals married to Indian citizens and with children
- Next hearing
- September 17