Archive · 1 Nov 2025
Pregnant Woman's Parents Found on 2002 Bengal Voter List; Lawyer Claims Citizenship
Imagine a woman named Sunali who is going to have a baby.
She and her family were sent away from India to Bangladesh, even though they said they were from India.
Sunali's lawyer found proof that her mom and dad are listed as voters in India from a long time ago, back in 2002.
This is like having an old ID card that shows they belong there.
Because her parents are from India, her new baby should also be an Indian citizen, no matter where it is born.
A big court in India also said Sunali and others should be brought back home, but they are still waiting to come back even though the deadline has passed.
Sunali's parents are very worried about her because she is pregnant and in jail in a different country.
Pregnant Sunali Khatun's lawyer states her parents are on the 2002 Bengal voter list, asserting her child's Indian citizenship.
Khatun, her husband, son, and another family (Sweety Bibi and her sons) were deported to Bangladesh on June 26, accused of being illegal immigrants.
The Calcutta High Court ordered the Centre to bring the six individuals back to West Bengal by October 24.
Despite the court order, the families have not yet been repatriated, and a contempt petition has been filed.
A court in Bangladesh declared the individuals as Indian citizens and ordered their 'push back'.
- Who
- Pregnant Sunali Khatun and her family, along with another family (Sweety Bibi and her sons), who were allegedly deported as illegal immigrants.
- What
- Sunali Khatun's lawyer claims her parents are on the 2002 Bengal voter list, asserting her unborn child's right to Indian citizenship by descent. This comes after a court order for their return to India, which has not yet been fulfilled.
- When
- Deported on June 26; Calcutta High Court ordered their return by October 24; parents' names found recently.
- Where
- Deported from Delhi, India to Bangladesh; parents are residents of Birbhum district, West Bengal.
- Why
- The families were accused of being illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, though they claimed to be migrant laborers from Bengal.
Lawyer and Supporters
Government's Stance (Implied)
Citizenship Claim
Lawyer and Supporters
Sunali Khatun's parents are on the 2002 voter list, proving their Indian origin and thus granting her unborn child citizenship by descent, regardless of birthplace.
Government's Stance (Implied)
The families were accused and deported as illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators, suggesting their claims to Indian origin were not substantiated at the time of deportation.
Repatriation Compliance
Lawyer and Supporters
The Centre is failing to comply with the Calcutta High Court's order to bring back Sunali Khatun and the others by the October 24 deadline.
Government's Stance (Implied)
The Centre has not explicitly stated its reasons for the delay in repatriation but has moved the Supreme Court on the issue, indicating legal engagement.
Reason for Deportation
Lawyer and Supporters
The deportation was unjust, driven by the individuals being poor, Bengali-speaking migrants, and not due to genuine illegal immigration.
Government's Stance (Implied)
The individuals were detained and deported under the accusation of being illegal immigrants.
- Detained Individuals
- Sunali Khatun, her husband Danish, their son, Sweety Bibi, and her two sons
- Date of Deportation
- June 26
- Location of Detention
- Delhi, India and later Bangladesh jail
- Court Order for Return
- Calcutta High Court on September 26
- Lawyer's Claim Basis
- Sunali Khatun's parents' names on 2002 Bengal voter list
- Parents' Names
- Bhodu Sheikh and Jyotsna Bibi
- Voter List Location
- Murarai assembly segment, Birbhum district, West Bengal