India Not a ‘Dharamshala’ for Refugees: Supreme Court Dismisses Plea by Sri Lankan Tamil

The Supreme Court has orally observed that India is not a "dharamshala" to host refugees from across the world, while refusing to interfere in the deportation of a Sri Lankan Tamil man convicted under UAPA.

The court questioned the petitioner’s right to settle in India, stressing that Article 19 rights apply only to Indian citizens. The man had completed a 7-year sentence and challenged a Madras High Court order directing his deportation.

Rejecting his plea, the Court noted there was no Article 21 violation, stating his liberty had been curtailed lawfully.

The court added that fear of persecution is no ground to stay indefinitely.