HC to Hear Habeas Corpus Plea for Pregnant Sunali Khatun, Detained in Bangladesh

Kolkata, September 1, 2025 — The Calcutta High Court is scheduled to urgently hear a habeas corpus petition concerning Sunali Khatun, an eight-month-pregnant woman from Birbhum, along with five others who are currently detained in a Bangladeshi jail. The hearing follows a specific directive from the Supreme Court to expedite the matter.

Background: Alleged Deportation After Detainment

Sunali, 27, her husband Danish Sheikh, their young son Sabir, and three others were detained by Delhi Police during an identity verification drive in Rohini. Despite presenting valid Aadhaar and voter ID, they were labelled as “infiltrators.” On June 26, they were allegedly “pushed” into Bangladesh via the Assam–Kurigram border and have remained incarcerated since.

Legal Efforts Underway

Two habeas corpus petitions—filed on behalf of Sunali and the other detainees—seeking their safe return and production before the court, will be heard today. Simultaneously, a Bangladesh court is expected to conduct bail hearings for the group.

Sunali’s father, Bhodu Sheikh, and a relative of one of the other detainees, Amir Khan, have petitioned for their legal protection, highlighting the urgency due to Sunali’s advanced pregnancy and the presence of minors among the group.

Additionally, the West Bengal Migrant Welfare Board is actively supporting the families’ legal pursuit to bring them back safely.

Wider Implications at the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has also taken cognizance of the issue, seeking a response from the Union government on allegations of Bengali-speaking migrants being detained merely based on their language, underscoring that citizens should not be presumed foreign due to their vernacular. Meanwhile, tribunals of shared cultural heritage were stressed in court, insisting legal protocols must be followed before any deportation.

What’s Next?

Calcutta High Court will urgently address the habeas corpus petition today.

Bangladeshi court is slated to hear the bail pleas of the detainees.

The case continues to highlight critical issues around cross-border rights, citizen identity, and the proper exercise of legal authority.