New Delhi, Sept 18: Continuous monitoring by the Supreme Court of the detention of several Pakistani nationals in various jails without valid grounds paid off today when the Union government informed that it has ordered deportation of eight of them lodged in Alwar prison in Rajasthan.
Attorney General Soli J Sorabjee informed a bench comprising Justice Ruma Pal and Justice P V Reddi that the Pakistan government has accepted the identity of these nationals and has issued necessary travel documents for them to cross over to their country by September 30.

He said the Indian government has extended consular services to five more prisoners and the Pakistan government has agreed to verify their antecedents before giving them the travel documents, which would facilitate passing the deportation orders under the Foreigners Act, 1946.
However, regarding two other Pakistani nationals, the Attorney General said that they were still facing trial and hence could not be deported.

The bench, which appreciated the efforts made by Sorabjee in the matter, directed listing of the matter after six months for further hearing.
Those, against whom deportation orders were passed, are Noor Mohammed, Shokat Ali, Ibrahim, Mohd Ismail, Shahid Kareem, Mohd Nawaz, Nazir ahmad and Mohd Anwar.

Bureau Report