Today, rhe Supreme Court directs the Assam government to ensure that all detention camps in the state are equipped with adequate facilities within one month.

A Bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih directed the state authorities today to conduct visits to the detention camps and convene a meeting with all relevant officials.

"The condition of detention camps are way beyond from being satisfactory. Even basic health amenities are lacking as per the report of the legal services authority of the State. There are not even female doctors available. Please ensure that facilities are available," Justice Oka orally remarked.

The Court also directed the Secretary of the Assam Legal Services Authority to participate in the meeting and submit a report by December 9.

The Court was reviewing a case concerning the conditions of Assam's detention centers, where individuals with uncertain citizenship status or those declared foreigners by tribunals are held. Earlier this year, the Bench expressed serious concern over conditions at the Matia detention center in Goalpara district. Constructed at a cost of ₹64 crore, the Matia transit camp stands as the largest detention facility in the country.

"What a sorry state of affairs. No water or sanitation facilities even. No clarity on food and medical help," the Court had remarked while hearing the case in July.

The Court once again criticized the State of Assam today for the poor sanitary conditions at the Matia detention center. Previously, in May, the Supreme Court had instructed the Central government to expedite the deportation of 17 foreign nationals held in these camps, as they were not involved in any pending criminal cases that would justify their continued detention in India.