Bengaluru: The Supreme Court, on Thursday, sought responses from the Central government and various state governments regarding allegations that Muslim migrant workers from West Bengal are being detained based on unverified claims of being foreigners who illegally entered India from Bangladesh [West Bengal Migrant Workers Welfare Board v. Union of India]. BULLMER Striped Textured Printed Polo Neck Fullsleeve T-Shirt with Rib for Men

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi orally observed that the court cannot ignore the reality of the risk of foreigners illegally infiltrating India and emphasized the need to verify the place of origin of migrant workers. In May 2025, a letter issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs authorized inter-state verification and detention of suspected illegal immigrants. The petition alleges that Bengali-speaking Muslims are being targeted and detained by other states based on their religion or because they speak Bengali.

The West Bengal Migrant Workers Welfare Board, through advocate Kunal Chatterjee, submitted to the Supreme Court that these detentions violate the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.