GUWAHATI: The Supreme Court on Monday, November 4 ordered the Assam government to ensure that detention camps across the state provide adequate facilities within a month. This directive came from a bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih, emphasising the need for better health, hygiene and basic amenities at the camps.
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“The condition of the detention camps is far from satisfactory,” Justice Oka noted during the hearing, referring to a report by the Assam State Legal Services Authority. “Even basic health amenities are lacking, and there are no female doctors available.”
A meeting with relevant authorities to conduct an inspection of the facilities has been ordered, while the Assam Legal Services Authority has also been instructed to participate in this review. A comprehensive report has to be submitted by December 9.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court had expressed concerns over the Matia detention centre in Goalpara, Assam’s largest facility, which cost reportedly ₹64 crore.
Despite the significant investment, the centre is facing issues with water, sanitation, food, and medical services.
The petitioner was represented by Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, while Advocate Shuvodeep Roy appeared for the state government.