Can Foreigners be let off after Apology, Apex Court asks Centre

On Monday, the Apex Court sought the response of the Centre whether 9 foreigners, who had attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation at the Alami Markaz Banglewali Masjid in violation of Govt guidelines following the Coronavirus outbreak, could be let off if they apologised for their action.

A bench, headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar, directed solicitor general Tushar Mehta to take instructions from the Govt after Lawyer C U Singh, appearing for the foreign nationals, contended that the High Court of Madrashad passed an order letting off some of the other foreigners after they offered apologies. 

The Supreme Court thereafter posted the hearing for July 31. At the outset, Mehta told the bench that trial against 23 out of 31 foreigners, who filed the plea in the Supreme Court, was wrapped up after they agreed to pay fine under the plea bargaining process but 9 of them agreed to face proceedings.

However, Singh said the passports of 23 foreigners have not been returned. The SG assured the SC that the Centre would look into the issue. 

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