The Supreme Court has agreed to consider a petition for the safe return of 26 Indian citizens allegedly detained in Russia and forced to fight in the Ukraine war. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M.
Pancholi, ordered Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to take instructions from the central government, given the seriousness of the matter. The petitioners' lawyer informed the court that these Indian citizens are trapped in extremely unsafe conditions on the battlefield and are being compelled to participate in military activities against their will. The petition filed in court seeks directions to the central government to take immediate diplomatic and consular steps through the Indian embassy in Russia.
It mentions providing consular access to these Indians under the Vienna Convention (1963) and bilateral agreements to accurately ascertain their current legal status and safety. The Solicitor General assured the bench that he would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and inform the court with the government's instructions. The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for the end of this month.
The petition emphasizes that the Indian government should make all necessary efforts for the dignity, safety, and return of these citizens within the framework of international laws. This case has emerged amid ongoing reports of several Indians being stranded due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Following the Supreme Court's intervention, there is now hope that the central government will expedite the process of locating these youths and bringing them home safely. All eyes are on the response to be presented by the government in the upcoming hearing.
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