Archive · 24 Jul 2025
Calcutta High Court Orders Odisha Affidavit on Bengali Migrant Detention
The Calcutta High Court is looking into claims that the Odisha government detained Bengali-speaking workers, suspecting them of being illegal immigrants.
Families of two workers from West Bengal filed petitions, saying they were held without being brought before a judge.
The Odisha government says it was just checking documents as allowed by law.
The court has asked Odisha to explain the detentions and will hear the case again later this month to decide what happened and if the workers were treated fairly.
Calcutta High Court directed Odisha to file an affidavit regarding detention of Bengali migrants.
Families of two West Bengal migrant workers filed habeas corpus petitions.
Odisha AG denied arrests, stating document verification under the Foreigners Act.
Petitioners claimed illegal detention and demanded compensation for the workers.
Court scheduled next hearing on August 29, after replies from petitioners.
- Who
- The Calcutta High Court, the Odisha government, and Bengali migrant workers.
- What
- Calcutta High Court is reviewing the detention of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in Odisha.
- When
- The court directed the Odisha government to file an affidavit on August 20 and scheduled the next hearing on August 29.
- Where
- Calcutta High Court and Odisha, India.
- Why
- To determine the legality of the detention of Bengali migrant workers by Odisha authorities.
Petitioners' View
Odisha Government's View
Legality of Detention
Petitioners' View
Workers were illegally detained.
Odisha Government's View
Odisha AG denied arrests, saying verification was for legal documents.
Targeting of Bengalis
Petitioners' View
Bengali migrants were being targeted.
Odisha Government's View
Odisha AG denied selective verification.
- Court
- Calcutta High Court
- Affected
- Bengali-speaking migrant workers
- Allegation
- Illegal detention
- Legal Basis (Odisha)
- Foreigners Act, 1946
- Next Hearing
- August 29