Supreme Court says 'core issue' is whether Rohingya are refugees or illegal immigrants

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to determine whether Rohingya individuals in the country should be classified as refugees or illegal immigrants. The ruling will address the legal status of the group and the government's authority to deport them.
Why it matters
This legal determination will set a major precedent for India's immigration policy and its obligations toward displaced populations under international law.
The Supreme Court on Monday (August 31, 2026) agreed to hear in detail the "core issue" of whether the Rohingya in India can be classified as refugees or are to be considered illegal immigrants.
The article balances the arguments of the petitioners and the government's legal stance without taking a side.
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