Allow Cookies!
By using our website, you agree to the use of cookies
Today a division bench comprising of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Surya Kant ordered notice to evacuate 850 Shia pilgrims who belong to Kargil from Qom, Iran which is badly hit by COVID-19 pandemic. The matter was taken to SC by Mustafa MH (petitioner) for protection of lives. Petitioner’s relatives travelled with 1000 pilgrims on February 26th and the trip was scheduled for 3 months. The petitioner’s relatives were scheduled to return on 6th of March, however during interregnum there was outbreak of Corona. In these circumstances the pilgrims asked the petitioner to approach this Hon’ble Court for seeking appropriate measures for protection of their fundamental rights including the Rights under Article 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India. So, petitioner approached SC under article 32 of constitution praying order or direction including writ of mandamus for immediate evacuation of these citizens.
Petition mentioned that the pilgrims/citizens who are stranded in Iran have no medical or food supply. While arguing Senior Adv Sanjay Hedge also depicted the plight of stranded citizens, as it was stated that most of the pilgrims are out of funds and are dependent on philanthropy of locals. It is also pertinent to note that there is no Indian consulate located in the city of Qom. The Petitioner has spoken with various stranded persons who have informed him that they have not been contacted by the health officials for the last 25 days. Nor have they been provided with any medical facilities. Besides, their best efforts to reach such health official has been in vain. The stranded passengers have been repeatedly posting their grievances on social media for seeking help. Many such SOS videos have been sent so far and are doing rounds.
These people have been accommodated in hotel rooms in group of 4-5 which could lead to disastrous consequences for all citizens. This arrangement by Iranian authorities as it is in open violation of the standards prescribed by WHO and other health organisations, due to which 2 pilgrims are already dead. Petitions also mentions that a test was conducted on these pilgrims and about 250 of the total pilgrims could be positive of Corona virus. A list of corona positive patients was also attached with the petition.
This was the first time that SC Judges used Video App for deciding a matter via video conferencing from their respective homes. Judges asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to assist court on the steps taken or proposed by centre to alleviate the lordships faced by these citizens. Judges also said that they hope and trust that in the meantime all necessary steps taken to protect the welfare of these citizens with consultation with Indian Embassy. SC has also asked centre to respond by Monday
86540
103860
630
114
59824