Following a Supreme Court order, a pregnant woman is eagerly anticipating her return to India after being deported to Bangladesh earlier this year. The Supreme Court permitted her entry, along with her eight-year-old child, on humanitarian grounds.

The case reached the Supreme Court after the Centre challenged a Calcutta High Court order that had deemed the deportation illegal. The High Court's initial order followed a petition filed by the woman's father, Bhodu Sekh. Sunali Khatun, the pregnant woman, along with her husband and son, were taken into custody in Delhi in June 2025 on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals and were subsequently deported.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, directed the West Bengal government to ensure the well-being of the child and instructed the Birbhum district's chief medical officer to provide comprehensive medical support to Khatun, including a free delivery. The Centre has agreed to allow Khatun and her child to enter India on humanitarian grounds. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, stated that this decision would not prejudice the government's case regarding the deportation order. The government has also assured the Supreme Court that the woman will be provided with free care and all necessary medical facilities, considering her advanced stage of pregnancy. While allowing the entry on humanitarian grounds, the woman and her child will remain under surveillance.

The court noted that Khatun and her child would eventually be brought back to Delhi, where they were initially detained. However, advocates representing Khatun's father requested that they be allowed to reside in Birbhum, West Bengal, where her family resides. The court directed the chief medical officer of Birbhum to provide all medical facilities and care to Khatun and to submit a health report.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on December 10, 2025. Justice Bagchi stated that if Khatun can establish her biological connection to her father, Bhodu Sheikh, it would be sufficient to prove her Indian citizenship, which would also extend citizenship to her child.

The case has highlighted the complexities surrounding deportation and citizenship claims, with the Supreme Court emphasizing the importance of considering humanitarian aspects. This decision provides a ray of hope for the pregnant woman and her child, as they eagerly await their return to India.