The Delhi High Court has said that it expects that the Central Government would take all necessary steps regarding flights, within the limitation of the resources available, to operate flights to bring back Indian citizens who are stranded overseas.
The court further observed,
“It is expected that the Government would take all necessary steps, within the limitation of the resources available, to operate flights to bring back Indian citizens who are stranded overseas”.
Single Bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru further noted that it is necessary to ensure within the category of persons who are to be accorded priority, a higher priority be accorded to persons who are in medical distress vis-à-vis persons who are otherwise hale and hearty but are stranded due to the expiry of their visa or other reasons.
The Petitioner in the present case of flights overseas was represented by Mr Subhash Chandra.
The petition had prayed for the following:
- Direct Centre to strictly follow the Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for movement of Indian nationals stranded outside the country as per its order dated May 05
- Direct Centre to bring back listed 56 pregnant healthcare workers who are stranded outside the country with highest priority as all of them are in serious distress and need immediate medical as well as psycho-socio support;
- Direct Centre to schedule special chartered flight from Saudi Arabia for bringing back pregnant women including listed 56 health care workers who are stranded outside the country with highest priority
- Direct Centre to provide adequate medical as well as psycho-socio support through Indian Missions to the pregnant women who are stranded and unable to travel back to India due to technical reason.
The court observed that it’s not required to issue any direction that further flights be scheduled as steps have been taken towards the said end.
The petition was hereby disposed of.
Read order here:
