The Punjab and Haryana High Court has warned the federal government that it will impose punitive costs if necessary steps are not taken by the next hearing of the case, accusing it of “continued delay” in the sensitive issue of repatriation of Pakistani prisoners who are still in custody despite having completed their sentences.
The reaction of Division Bench Judge Sandawaria Vikas Bahl came after the central government informed that repatriation of six of the 30 Pakistani civilian prisoners is likely to take place on July 26. The remaining 24 prisoners are under active consideration by all the parties.
“It is evident that the Union of India continues to delay its action on the sensitive issue of deportation of persons who have completed their sentence but are still in custody. Hence, if necessary action is not taken, punitive costs will be imposed on the Union of India at the next date of hearing,” the court said.
The high court had taken discretionary cognizance of prisoners who continue to languish in jail despite being acquitted and had earlier asked the Punjab government to submit details of such prisoners.
The court was informed that the process of repatriation of 30 Pakistani civilian prisoners currently being held there after completing their sentences is underway. Amritsar Central Jailis under active consideration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (Foreigners Division), Government of India and necessary work will be undertaken in consultation with all stakeholders and further time is required.
India’s Attorney General Satya Pal Jain also noted that there was no objection from the Punjab government and the matter was awaiting approval from security agencies and the Ministry of External Affairs.
During the resumed hearing, Jain submitted a letter dated July 11 to the high court in which he mentioned that repatriation of the six Pakistani civilian prisoners through Attari ICP is likely to take place on July 26, 2024.
