Archive · 6 Dec 2025
CJI Surya Kant Criticized for Remarks on Rohingyas
The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, made some strong comments about Rohingya people who have come to India.
He said that they are not officially recognized as refugees and questioned if they should get special treatment.
Some former judges and lawyers wrote a letter saying his words were not fair and that Rohingyas should be treated with kindness.
They also said that the Chief Justice's words went against the rules of the Indian Constitution.
The United Nations has said that Rohingyas are one of the most mistreated groups in the world.
Some people think that Rohingyas pose a threat to India's security, while others think they should be helped and protected.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned the legal status and rights of Rohingya immigrants during a Supreme Court hearing.
The bench termed Rohingyas as intruders and questioned if they should receive special treatment, including basic rights like food, shelter, and education.
Former judges, lawyers, and the civil society group Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms wrote an open letter criticizing the CJI's remarks, stating they were unconscionable and dehumanizing.
The signatories emphasized the Rohingyas' right to protection under Article 21 of the Constitution and expressed concerns about the remarks eroding public trust in the judiciary.
The Indian government has not signed the UN Refugee Convention and does not recognize Rohingyas as refugees, raising concerns about national security risks posed by illegal immigrants.
- Who
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, former judges, lawyers, and the civil society group Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms
- What
- CJI Surya Kant made remarks about Rohingya immigrants during a Supreme Court hearing, which were criticized by former judges and lawyers
- When
- The hearing took place on 2nd December, and the open letter was written shortly after
- Where
- India
- Why
- To discuss the legal status and rights of Rohingya immigrants in India, and to criticize the CJI's remarks
- Chief Justice
- Surya Kant
- Bench Members
- Surya Kant, Joymalya Bagchi
- Civil Society Group
- Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms
- Article Cited
- Article 21 of the Constitution
- UN Description
- Rohingyas as 'the most persecuted minority' in the world
- International Court of Justice Description
- Ethnic cleansing and genocide
- Signatories
- AP Shah, K Chandru, Anjana Prakash, Rajeev Dhavan, Colin Gonzalves, Kamini Jaiswal, Prashant Bhushan
- Government Status
- India has not signed the UN Refugee Convention and does not recognize Rohingyas as refugees
- Security Concerns
- Rohingyas pose national security risks, including involvement in criminal activities and demographic changes
Sources
Former judges, lawyers write to CJI Surya Kant criticising remarks about Rohingyas
Leftist activists led by Prashant Bhushan target CJI Surya Kant for refusing to protect illegal Rohingya immigrants
