COVID19: Decision To Repatriate 250 Stranded Pilgrims At Iran Who Have Been Tested Positive Cannot Be Taken Now, Says SC [Read Order]

The Supreme Court on Wednesday observed that the situation of 250 stranded Indian citizens at Qom, Iran, who had been tested positive for Coronavirus shall be closely monitored by the Indian Embassy & a decision to repatriate could not be taken currently.

Solicitor General Mehta Tushar Mehta apprised the bench regarding airlifting of those pilgrims who had not been infected by the authorities. He stated that all of them had returned home.

However, Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde appearing for the Petitioner(s) stated that some pilgrims had still been left behind after being infected with the Coronavirus and were now left at the mercy of the Iran authorities.

In light of this, a bench comprising Justices Chandrachud & MR Shah stated that the Indian embassy to constantly monitor the situation closely. It was further observed by the bench that the Government had been taking this issue seriously and assured Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde that the issues contended may be raised again whenever the need arises.

On March 27, 2020, the Supreme Court had issued notice in a petition seeking directions to the Centre for evacuation of about 850 Indian citizens stranded in Qom, Iran amid the worldwide health emergency of the COVID19 Pandemic.

Senior Advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the Petitioner(s) had averred that as many as 250 the people who had visited Iran as pilgrims were "mostly from a poor financial background" and were required to return home in the beginning of this month. However, the pandemic completely changed the course of their journey. 

Click Here To Download Order

[Read Order]