The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a directive to the Punjab government to promptly address a petition advocating for stricter controls on illegal travel agents. The plea, presented by advocate Kanwar Pahul Singh, calls for immediate governmental action to curtail the activities of agents who engage in the unlawful emigration of individuals.
Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Harmeet Singh Grewal presided over the case, emphasizing the need for swift government intervention. The petitioner’s appeal follows recent incidents where a significant number of Indian immigrants were deported from the United States, spotlighting the ongoing issue of illegal emigration facilitated by fraudulent agents.
In response to the deportations, the petition urged the establishment of emigration check posts throughout Punjab under the Emigration Act, 1983. These posts would help standardize the emigration process and prevent illegal immigration attempts orchestrated by deceitful travel agents.
Further, the petitioner has requested an update to the list of “certified recruiting agents and permitted employers established outside India.” This move aims to provide the public with accessible and reliable avenues for legal emigration, thereby reducing the risk of exploitation by unverified agents.
The court has instructed the petitioner to forward his representations to both state and central government authorities within one month. Advocate Dheeraj Jain, representing the Centre, confirmed that the state and the central authorities are expected to review and decide on these matters promptly.
Adding to the legal measures, the Punjab government has already taken proactive steps by forming a special investigation team of the Punjab Police to investigate the broader issue of illegal human trafficking following the initial deportations in early February.
