Russia-Ukraine Conflict : Taking Best Possible Steps To Bring Stranded Indian Citizens, Centre Informs Rajasthan HC

The Central government has informed the Rajasthan High Court that its agencies are taking best possible steps to bring back the Indian citizens including students, stranded in Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia.Additional Solicitor General RD Rastogi apprised the Court that the Indian government has launched operation "Ganga", whereby it is sending various flights through different countries to the capital of Ukraine i.e. Kyiv. The ASG added that the authorities are open to act upon the suggestions, if any.The development ensued in a writ petition filed by two residents of Rajasthan's Baran district, seeking evacuation of their stranded children. The plea averred that the petitioners had contacted the National Human Rights Commission to draw their attention to the "heart shaking" problems with their children, but in response, the NHRC provided 8 weeks time to the authorities, "which is nothing but a very bad joke with persons like petitioners, whose children are waiting for immediate help in Ukraine." The petitioner alleged that it is unfortunate that despite a number of efforts on the part of the petitioners, the respondents are not paying heed to bring back their children, which causes family members to go through great pain and agony. On an inquiry made by the bench of Justice Ashok Kumar Gaur, the ASG submitted that the Indian Embassy at Kyiv had been issuing various advisories from time to time, from February 16 onwards. He also placed on record certain documents and gave particulars about the steps being taken by the Union Government for bringing back the Indian citizens. The ASG further submitted that efforts are being made by all the agencies to bring back the students and other citizens and as such the Union Government is taking up this issue at a very high level with all seriousness. Moreover, he submitted that if necessary information with regard to students belonging to the State of Rajasthan is furnished to him, then he would be in better position to furnish the information to this Court as how many students from the State of Rajasthan and other citizens, have come back so far and what needs to be done in future. Advocate General MS Singhvi submitted that he will have consultation with the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) and will try to get information of the students belonging to the State of Rajasthan and all such information, if received by him, will necessarily be forwarded to the ASG. The court has asked the authorities to do the needful. The matter will be heard again tomorrow.Yesterday, the Supreme Court had sought the assistance of the Attorney General in a similar matter and had urged him to use his good offices to help the Indian students. Adv. Sudarshan Kumar Laddha and Adv. Manish Malwal appeared for the petitioners. Advocate General M.S.Singhvi assisted by Adv. Sheetanshu Sharma and Adv. Tarang Gupta, Addl. Solicitor General R.D.Rastogi assisted by Adv. C.S.Sinha, Adv. Manjeet Kaur, Adv. Devesh Yadav, and Adv. Mr.Akshay Sharma appeared for the respondents.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict : Taking Best Possible Steps To Bring Stranded Indian Citizens, Centre Informs Rajasthan HC

ANIRUDH VIJAY

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