Madras HC Directs Govt To File Counter In DMK's Plea Seeking Permission To Land International Flights Carrying Stranded Indians In The State [Read Order]

The bench comprised by Dr. Justice Vineet Kothari and Justice R. Suresh Kumar has asked the state Government to file a Counter affidavit, clearing its stand on the issue.

"The State Government is also directed to give its Status Report and file Counter about the permissions required to be given for such international Flight operations to land within the State of Tamil Nadu and the number of such requisitions given by various Airline Companies or other Authorities in this regard and what is the stand of the State Government in issuing such permissions to the Airline Companies/Airport Authorities in this regard," the court directed.

The Petitioner-party had submitted that even though the Union of India had issued an SOP for repatriation of Indians stranded abroad, many citizens who wanted to return to Tamil Nadu were facing problem as the state has not granted permission for landing of any such Aircrafts in the state.

The bench observed that the matter requires consideration and listed it for hearing on June 19.

The court has also asked the Central Government to file a Status Report with regard to the following:

• number of Applicants, who have registered in various Embassies where they are stranded and want to return to India;
• number of Flights of various Airlines operated so far for return to India/State of Tamil Nadu during the Covid-19 period and the details of Plans of the Union of India to provide more such Flights in near future for such stranded people, either under Vande Bharat Mission or otherwise.
• details of the relief in the form of any financial help, ticket costs, food, stay, etc., to be provided to such stranded people in various foreign countries because of the Covid-19 Lockdown and stoppage of Flight operations.

The Party was represented by Senior Advocate Richardson Wilson for M/s.Wilson Associates. Additional Solicitor General G. Rajagopalan accepted notice on behalf of Union of India; and Additional Advocate General SR Rajagopal and Govt.Pleader V. Jayaprakash Narayanan accepted notice for the State.

The Government of India had decided to facilitate the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner, via aircrafts and naval ships, last month. An SOP for the same was issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on May 5, 2020 and subsequently on May 26, 2020.

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