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Meghalaya High Court Orders Transfer of Foreign Detainees to School Hostel
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Court Order and Immediate Deadline
On September 21, 2026 the Meghalaya High Court directed the state government to move all foreign nationals who have finished their prison terms to a temporary detention centre. The court noted that about 30 foreign detainees remain in custody despite having served their sentences.
Designated Hostel as Temporary Detention Centre
The government identified the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBoSE) hostel in Shillong’s Laitumkhrah area as the holding facility. The three-storey, G+2 building contains six dormitories with a total of 60 beds. According to the state’s status report, the centre will be staffed by 26 administrative and guarding personnel, eight security staff, a platoon at the gates and watchtowers, a medical officer with three support staff, 26 CCTV cameras, and fire-safety equipment.
Deportation Orders and Long-Term Detainees
During the September 21 hearing officials reported that deportation orders have been issued in four cases and that steps are under way to repatriate those individuals. The court was also informed that five foreign nationals—two from Myanmar, two from Nigeria, and one from Bangladesh—have been detained for more than five years after completing their sentences. The bench asked the state and the Kolkata-based Foreigners Regional Registration Office to record how compensation will be provided to those held beyond their terms.
Government Action and Upcoming Hearing
The State Home (Political) Department issued a notification on September 17 naming the MBoSE hostel after the court rejected an earlier proposal to use a building in Nongstoin, located about 90 km northwest of Shillong. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 28, when officials must appear either in person or via video conference to report on the transfer and compensation arrangements.