The Centre, during the hearing of a petition in the case of Gaurav Bansal v. UOI cited lockdown as the reason for their inability to undertake evacuation of Indian Nationals from Bangladesh (or any other country).
The Centre, represented by Standing Counsel Jasmeet Singh however assured that all possible help and assistance is being extended to these such individuals.
The Division Bench, comprising of Justices Sanjeev Sachdeva and Navin Chawla, was hearing a PIL filed by Advocate Gaurav Bansal whereby a plea to evacuate Indian nationals and majorly students from Bangladesh was made to the Central Government.
Concerns were raised about the students being stuck in the university campus in Bangladesh and the non-availability of masks and sanitizers to such individuals.
The Centre emphasizing on the actions taken asserted that-
- It had appointed nodal officers to help Indian citizens stuck in Bangladesh
- A high level group of Ministers was devising methods for prevention and management of COVID-19
- A specialized ‘COVID-19’ had been constituted to streamline information procurement and deal with various regions spread across the globe.
- Missions/Posts had been advised to set-up dedicated helpline numbers for Indians stranded abroad.
- Respective Ambassadors had been continuously in touch with the stranded students in Bangladesh and are arranging for accommodation and food wherever possible.
- Centre further stated that travel advisories and all relevant information was being relayed to the students via social media platforms.
Taking in consideration the Centre’s efforts and assurance to extend all possible assistance to Indian citizens stuck abroad, particularly Indian students in Bangladesh. On being satisfied the Court opined that there was no further need to issue directions and the petition was subsequently disposed of with liberty to the Petitioner to file a fresh petition if need be in the future.
A copy of the Order is attached herein.
