SC on Rohingya issue: State has to balance national interest and human rights

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court, during the course of hearing arguments on Rohingya refugees, observed that the problem was one of a "great magnitude". A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said that the government should not deport the Rohingya refugees till the case was was heard. The apex court said that the state needed to strike a a balance between national interests and human rights in handling this complex issue. It is worth mentioning here that the Rohingya refugee problem has become the focal point of a political slugfest between the BJP and the opposition parties, with the latter accusing the former of giving a communal dimension to what is essentially a human rights issue.

Renowned senior advocate Fali Nariman arguing for the petitioner, said that the government could not pass a blanket order treating all Rohingyas as "terrorists". On the issue of deportation of Rohingya Muslims to Myanmar, the Supreme Court said that it would give a "holistic hearing", suggesting that the issue was a thorny and complex one, which called upon the state to strike a balance between national interest and human rights. The state had to adopt a multi-pronged approach, the court said. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Tushar Mehta requested the apex court not to pass any written order for now, as it could have far-reaching ramifications. The bench also consisted of Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud.