Suraj Lama Missing Case: Kerala High Court Seeks Deportation Documents Of The Missing Person

The division bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M B Snehalatha issued the direction while considering the habeas corpus petition filed by the son of the missing person.

The Court had earlier sought for the details regarding the protocols to be followed by the authorities when a citizen is deported back to the country.

The DSGI has submitted a statement in this regard, but the Court expressed dissatisfaction in the statement and observed, “It has more questions unanswered than answered”

The Bench noted that before it forms any opinion, the Court must be provided with the complete deportation documents pertaining to the alleged detenu. If any document is in a foreign language, the Court directed that certified translations be produced for its inspection.

DSGI has sought time until Monday to comply with the directive.

Appearing for the State, government pleader submitted that certain reports have already been filed by the Superintendent of the Government Medical College Hospital, Ernakulam, as well as a memo from the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Aluva as earlier directed by the Court.

While the Court examined the reports it had noted that the report from Medical College has stated that the detenu was brought to the hospital in a '108 ambulance' without any bystander. The Court has asked if there was a requisition made by the police stating that they are sending the person.

“The police have to give requisition to the ambulance, stating that they are sending this person. The report of the government medical college does not say anything about it…Where is the police requisition? We would like to see the requisition?” the Court urged.

The Government Pleader further submitted that all relevant materials, including any requisition made by the police to the medical college, would also be submitted.

While refraining from further observations at this stage, the Court added:

“Every citizen is equal and under the Constitutional umbra is a soveriegn…..We are calling for the details with this perspective and we request the authorities to keep this in mind.”

The Court has also instructed the government pleader to obtain instructions regarding the forensic evaluation of the body recovered earlier from Kalamassery.

The case will be taken for further consideration on Monday.

Case No: WP (Crl) No. 1421/2025

Case Title: Santon Lama v. State of Kerala and Ors.

Counsel for Petitioner: Parvathi Menon