Delhi High Court Directs Centre To Grant Consular Access To Family Of Indian Worker Allegedly Swept Away While Snorkelling In Maldives

The Delhi High Court has directed the Central government to grant consular access and legal assistance to the family of an Indian worker who allegedly went missing after being swept away by strong sea currents while snorkelling in the Republic of Maldives.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the direction while disposing of a Letters Patent Appeal filed by the brother of the worker, Aftab Khan, who was employed as a Chef at a resort in Maldives.

Khan went missing on January 27, 2025, during a snorkelling activity originating from the resort where he was working.

The appeal arose from a single judge's order which had disposed of the earlier writ petition on the premise that the matter was “no longer a case of missing person,” based on status reports filed by the authorities.

The appellant contended that while the missing-person aspect may have concluded, the grievance relating to lack of effective consular access and legal assistance to pursue remedies against the employer in Maldives for alleged negligence and violation of labour and safety laws remained unaddressed.

It was argued that despite repeated representations and earlier judicial directions, the authorities failed to meaningfully facilitate consular access or assist the family in initiating proceedings under Maldivian law.

The Central government on the other hand relied on a status report stating that the Indian High Commission in Maldives provided all possible assistance. It was submitted that the case was under investigation by local authorities in Maldives and that the family had been kept informed.

After considering the submissions, the High Court directed the concerned authorities to “grant consular access to the appellant and their legal advisers in Maldives, facilitate entry and exit procedures, and coordinate meetings with the employer and local investigative authorities” to enable the family to pursue appropriate legal proceedings.

Appearance: Mr. Zeeshan Khan, Mr. Kaleem Akthar & Mr. Saeed Masroor, Advocates (through VC) for Appellant; Mr. Amit Tiwari, CGSC with Mr. Varun Pratap Singh, GP and Mr. Ayush Tanwar, Advocate for Respondents

Case title: Mujeeb Khan For And On Behalf Of Aftab Khan Missing v. UoI

Case no.: LPA 73/2026

Click here to read order