NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre as to why mentally-challenged Pakistani nationals, who were languishing in Indian jails even after completion of their sentences, should not be repatriated to their home country.
Of the 21 prisoners from Pakistan, 16 are mentally-challenged and and five hearing and speech-impaired.
“We direct that the foreign nationals who have served out the sentence and whose national status has been established and are otherwise not required for any other offences in the country must be deported as early as possible,” a Bench comprising Justice R M Lodha and Justice H L Gokhale said in the order.
The Bench asked the Centre to find out in three weeks what can be done for sending back these prisoners to their country and posted the matter for further hearing on May 2.
Justice Lodha said such matters should be given priority whenever the top authorities of the two countries meet.
“Should not such matters be taken up at the highest level when the Heads of the State meet?” the Bench said, indirectly referring to the recent visit of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari.
The Bench was hearing a petition filed by Panthers Party chief Bhim Singh who sought the release of Pakistani prisoners who are languishing in Indian jails even after completing their jail terms.