AI Structured Summary
Not yet generated for this judgment
Judgment
The hearing was conducted through Video Conferencing.
Petitioner by this present petition seeks a direction to the respondent, Government of India to evacuate the son of the petitioner from Edinburgh,
Scotland to India and to ensure that he is provided all medical facilities, if required.
The son of the petitioner is a student in Edinburgh, Scotland and was pursuing his course there.
Pursuant to the consolidated travel advisory issued by the Government of India, son of the petitioner is not been able to travel back to India. When
the petition was earlier listed before this Court, Mr. Bakshi learned counsel appearing for the petitioner had contended that the students in Edinburgh,
who were stranded there, were facing great difficulty as they had not been contacted by any officer and were also not aware as to who to contact in
case of any emergency.
On 30.03.2020 it was informed by Mr. Bakshi, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, that though an email had been received by the son of
the petitioner from an officer of the Consulate General but on no physical help on the ground had reached the son of the petitioner.
Mr. Amit Mahajan, Central Government Standing Counsel appearing for the Union of India had taken time to take instructions to ascertain as to
what assistance was required by the son of the petitioner and as to whether the same could be made available to him.
Mr. Amit Mahajan, Central Government Standing Counsel, has by his email, filed the status report of the Ministry of External Affairs.
It is stated by the Ministry of External Affairs that a 24x7 helpline has been established to address the queries by Indian students and the Indian
Community abroad. It is stated that the Government of India along with the Government of United Kingdom have actively disseminated, through
website and social media platforms, necessary information to all citizens of India.
It is stated that an officer of the Consulate General of India, Edinburgh had personally contacted the son of the petitioner through telephone and he
has been provided with the necessary information regarding helpline numbers, emergency telephone numbers, website, email and social media links of
the High Commission of India at London and Consulate General of India, Edinburgh. He has also been informed that the overseas visitors to Scotland,
regardless of their residency status are exempt from NHS charges for both diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Links regarding the
health care for overseas visitors and for refugee and asylum seekers were also shared.
The status report of the Ministry of External Affairs states that the son of the petitioner had informed that presently he was not facing any health
issues and was primarily concerned about coming back to India. He had informed that he was presently sharing accommodation with one more
student.
It is pointed out that two Indian stores are located within walking distance from where he is staying besides their being other supermarkets where,
as per the information received, there is sufficient supply of food items and no shortage of food items has been reported so far.
Son of the petitioner has been advised to register with the High Commission of India at London so that necessary updates and travel advisories
could be shared with him. Emergency number of an officer of the Consulate General of Edinburgh has been shared with him and he has been advised
to contact him in case of any emergency.
It is stated that the son of the petitioner has informed that there is shortage of masks and sanitizers and he has not been able to acquire the same
from the market.
Mr. Mahajan, learned Central Government Standing Counsel submits that there is shortage of masks and sanitizers in Scotland and UK and even
the Consulate has not been able to procure the same from the market. However, efforts are being made by the Consulate General of India to procure
and provide the same as soon as possible.
It is also stated in the status report that there are few volunteers in Edinburgh who have offered help in case of any necessity. The status report
assures that the Consulate General of India at Edinburgh is working to help the stranded Indians through student’s associations, community groups
and individuals by providing all possible assistance in the form of accommodation, food etc to all Indian citizens in Scotland. The Indian National
Students Association (UK) and the High Commission of India are working closely to address the specific issues of Indian students across UK during
COVID crisis.
With regard to evacuating the son of the petitioner, it is stated that in the present lockdown situation it is not possible for the Ministry to organise
any evacuation of Indian nationals from any country at this stage.
Mr. Amit Mahajan further submits that Indian Government has taken pro active steps to ensure that all citizens of India particularly students who
are residing abroad do not face any problem and all possible necessary steps are being taken.
In view of the status report and the assurance given that all possible necessary help shall be provided to all Indian students who are stranded
abroad, we feel that no further orders are called for in this petition.
The petition is accordingly disposed of. Liberty is granted to the petitioner to approach this Court again in future if the need so arises.
The order be uploaded on the website forthwith.
Copy of the order be also forwarded to the counsels through email.