In a landmark ruling that balances human rights with immigration law, an Indian court has cleared the path to deport two Nigerian nationals.
While the court protected their right to a fair arrest process, it confirmed that staying in India for over a decade without a valid visa is a serious violation that requires deportation.
The judge emphasized that Article 22 of the Indian Constitution protects all "persons," including foreign nationals. Because the police didn't follow the rules during the arrest, the men had to be released from custody.
Before the visa issue took center stage, the two men were accused of drug peddling in the city of Bengaluru.
The court instructed immigration offices to follow strict "Standard Operating Procedures" to ensure the deportation is handled legally and humanely.
Indian officials will now work with the Nigerian embassy to finalize travel documents for the men's return.
