New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India (SC) on Wednesday directed the Central government to bring back Sunali Khatun — a pregnant woman who had earlier been deported to Bangladesh — along with her eight-year-old son, on purely humanitarian grounds.

According to the Court’s order, the home state — West Bengal — government will oversee the welfare of the minor, while the Chief Medical Officer of Birbhum district must ensure full medical support for Sunali. ADVERTISEMENT

During proceedings, the Centre stated that the “competent authority” had agreed to allow re-entry of the woman and her son solely on humanitarian grounds, affirming they would be kept under appropriate surveillance upon their return.

The Court clarified that the relief granted — return to India and medical care — does not

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