Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday stepped in to prevent the deportation of a six-member family from Kashmir to Pakistan, granting them temporary protection until their citizenship documents are verified. The court’s intervention comes amid a sweeping crackdown on Pakistani nationals in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
Identity verification ordered by top court
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh directed authorities to verify the family’s documents—including Aadhaar, PAN cards, and passports—before proceeding with any deportation. The family, represented by advocate Nanda Kishore, alleged they were forcibly taken to the Wagah border despite holding valid Indian identification. The court asked authorities not to take any coercive steps until an official decision is reached, adding that dissatisfied parties may approach the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.
Background of the deportation notice
The family, headed by Ahmed Tarek Butt, has been residing in Kashmir, with some members working in Bengaluru. Authorities accused them of overstaying their visa and sought their removal following a government order asking Pakistani nationals to leave India after the terror attack. Advocate Kishore claimed the family was “bundled into a jeep” and driven to the border without due process.
Questions raised over citizenship history
During the hearing, the bench asked how Butt entered India. Kishore explained he came in 1987 on a valid visa and surrendered his Pakistani passport at the border. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, argued that the family should first submit their documents to the authorities, who will examine their claims. Mehta assured the court that no immediate action would be taken.
Crackdown post Pahalgam attack
Following the Pahalgam massacre—carried out by terrorists linked to Pakistan—India intensified measures against undocumented Pakistani nationals. The Centre revoked visas, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, and expelled over 900 Pakistani nationals in a week.
