On Monday, while deciding on petitions seeking evacuation of Indian citizens stranded abroad, the Supreme Court of India observed that 'people in other countries can't be brought back right now'.

The Court decided this taking note of the affidavit filed by the Central Government detailing the measures adopted for the welfare of students stranded in UK.

The CJI clarified that Indian students who are stranded in United Kingdom cannot be brought back right now and advised to people abroad to stay wherever they are.

The petitions heard by Supreme Court seeking evacuation of Indian citizens stranded abroad, included from students, working professionals, unskilled workers and fishermen in UK, Iran & other Gulf Countries.

The petitions have now been adjourned for four weeks.

The Top Court also took note of the petition filed by Congress MP M K Raghavan seeking repatriation of Indians from Gulf countries, the Court has asked the Centre to consider the suggestions put forth by the petitioner in his representation regarding the welfare measures for Indian citizens stranded in those countries.

Representing the Centre's side, the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta added that it was impossible to bring back people to India during this crisis and that this stand had already been reiterated in the Affidavit, already filed on behalf of the Union.

He said:

"All over the world people are getting extensions, in my affidavit, I have clearly mentioned that right now it is not possible" 

GOVERNMENT ORDER ON FLIGHTS

The Central Government with the begining of lockdown in India, on March 26,2020 had extended the ban on international flights till April 14.

Though the restrictions would not apply to cargo flights or those specially permitted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), as per a latest advisory by the Civil Aviation Ministry.

Before the above decision put into action, the Centre had imposed ban on international flights for a week from March 22 to March 29 while Domestic Flights had been already suspended till March 31, 2020.

In view of this, various petitioners filed slew of petitions seeking relief for their family members, friends, colleagues etc. who were stranded in foreign countries.

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