New Delhi, Oct 4 (Reporter) The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Assam Legal Services Authority (ALSA) to make surprise visits to Matia Transit Camp for foreigners to ascertain whether proper conditions of hygiene and cleanliness are being maintained there. A bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice George Masih asked the Secretary of ALSA to nominate appropriate officers to make periodical visits to the camp without prior notice to the authorities for the purpose of verifying whether the claim made by the state in the affidavit is correct. The Bench directed the counsel for the State to provide a copy of this affidavit to the secretary of the legal services authority. A further report shall be filed by the Secretary of the Legal Services Authority within one month from today, the bench said. The bench was hearing a plea regarding the deportation of those who have been declared as foreigners and are housed in detention centres. The Court was informed that the facilities provided at the detention centres in Assam are not adequate and no proper arrangement of food sanitation and hygiene is being maintained there. The Court had earlier directed the secretary of the Assam State Legal Services Authority to ensure one more visit to ascertain the quantity and quality of the food supplied at the centre, whether cleanliness is maintained in the kitchen and the existence of medical and recreational facilities. On May 16, the Supreme Court observed that the Centre must take immediate steps to deport 17 people who were declared foreigners. It had also said that priority should be given to deport four, who have spent more than two years in the detention centre. The Court was hearing a plea seeking directions to the Assam government not to detain any person declared as a foreigner by a foreigners tribunal until it can show proof of possible deportation in the foreseeable future. The Court however did not pass any order in this regard but directed ALSA to inquire whether the detention Centre in Matia is functioning properly and has all facilities of water, drainage, food medical etc. The Court listed the matter for further hearing on November 4, 2024...////...