The Supreme Court criticized the Assam government on Tuesday, questioning, "Are you waiting for some muhūrat?" as it expressed strong disapproval over the indefinite detention of individuals declared as foreigners instead of deporting them.

A bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated that once individuals are declared foreigners, they should be deported without delay.

"You have refused to start deportation, saying their addresses are not known. Why should it be our concern? You deport to their foreign country. Are you waiting for some muhurat (auspicious time)? "Once you declare a person foreigner, then you have to take the next logical step. You cannot detain them till eternity. Article 21 of the Constitution is there. There are many foreigner detention centres in Assam.

How many have you deported?" the bench told the counsel appearing for the Assam government.