Two-tier Maha panels to deport foreigners

Nagpur: In a move to strengthen internal security and streamline deportation of foreign nationals involved in criminal activities, the Maharashtra govt has constituted two-tier verification committees at the district and state levels.This decision, outlined in a govt resolution (GR) issued by the home dept on March 25, directly implements a standard operating procedure (SOP) from the Union home ministry. The initiative addresses concerns over foreign nationals exploiting legal loopholes, such as pending criminal cases, to prolong their stay in India and evade deportation.The Union home ministry, via a letter dated Nov 25, 2025, directed all states to establish such panels. The Maharashtra GR emphasises that some foreign nationals engage in criminal activities specifically to delay or avoid repatriation to their home countries.The district-level committees will be chaired by the district magistrate (DM) and members will include superintendent of police (SP), chief public prosecutor, and the prosecutor handling the specific case. The committee can co-opt a retired judicial officer and the investigating officer for deeper scrutiny. In police commissionerate areas, the police commissioner or joint commissioner will chair the panel, with the DCP (special branch) serving as member secretary. These panels will review cases, recommend withdrawal of charges where appropriate, and facilitate swift deportation processes as per the central SOP.The state-level committee will be headed by principal secretary (special/home). Key members include principal secretary (law and justice), inspector general (law and order), ACP, Regional Foreigners Registration Officer (FRRO) from special branch-2 CID, director of prosecution, and deputy secretary (foreigners-1/home). This high-powered body will oversee district-level recommendations, ensure uniformity, and coordinate with central agencies for effective implementation.Once withdrawal of charges is sanctioned, deportation proceedings can be expedited. Officials noted that the mechanism aims to prevent misuse of the judicial system while upholding due process and national security interests. This development comes amid heightened national focus on identifying and deporting illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh and other neighbouring countries.The GR underscores the govt's commitment to a "zero-tolerance" approach against illegal immigration and related crimes.