P&H High Court refuses to entertain PIL to curb illegal immigration from India to other countries

The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition seeking measures to curb illegal immigration of people from India to other countries..The Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice HS Grewal said authorities should take action on the issue before any Court intervention."The grievance alleged is of rampant illegal immigrants being sent abroad through illegal means in violation of certain provisions of the Emigration Act, 1983. It would be appropriate that the competent authority under the said Act of 1983 deals with the issues before this Court enters upon the process of adjudication," the Court said..Accordingly, the Court directed the petitioner to file a representation before the authorities."The petitioner is directed to prefer representation raising all the grievances as raised herein, which if done, within a period of 30 days shall be considered and decided by respondents No.1 to 3 as expeditiously as possible by passing a speaking order and the outcome shall be communicated to the petitioner," the Court ordered..The PIL moved by one Kanwar Pahul Singh sought establishment of Emigration Check Posts in all districts of Punjab to streamline the procedure for emigration and for taking action against the travel agents behind illegal immigrations into foreign countries.Pertinently, the case was filed at a time when three US military aircrafts have landed in Amritsar so far with several deported Indian citizens, who had entered USA illegally. The deportees included people from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Chandigarh and other states..The petitioner appeared in person.Additional Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain with Senior Panel Counsel Dheeraj Jain represented the Union of India.Senior Deputy Advocate General Salil Sabhlok represented the State of Punjab.[Read Order].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.