The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant relief to a Dubai-based Indian national who claimed he was being harassed by local authorities and trapped by a drug mafia. The court directed the petitioner to seek assistance from the Indian Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) instead of seeking direct judicial intervention from India.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard the petition filed by Asif Azad, an engineer and permanent resident of Kerala. In an unusual proceeding, Azad appeared via video conferencing from a shopping mall in Dubai, where he is currently facing a travel ban.
Azad alleged that he had been subjected to a travel ban in Dubai as part of a conspiracy orchestrated by a drug mafia. He claimed that the group forged cheques in his name, leading to legal troubles and the imposition of the ban by Dubai courts.
During the hearing, Azad sought the restoration of his rights under Article 21 (Protection of life and personal liberty), claiming he was being treated as an illegal immigrant and had been physically assaulted. “They kicked me at night; the CCTV has evidence of it,” he told the bench.
The petitioner also expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation of a related case in Kerala, describing it as “one-sided” and alleging that no progress had been made in over 40 days.
The bench expressed skepticism regarding the narrative presented. “We have heard the petitioner in person. We are not inclined to accept the story as stated here. Let him approach the embassy,” the court ordered.
When the Chief Justice inquired about his current location, Azad confirmed he was at a Dubai mall. Upon learning that the Indian Embassy was approximately 20 kilometers away, Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked, “So go to the Indian Embassy. There is public transport available.”
Azad expressed fear that he might be apprehended if he attempted to visit the embassy.
The petitioner further alleged that certain Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Kerala were working against him.
In a lighthearted reference to recent political developments in the southern state, Chief Justice Surya Kant quipped, “Now some change is happening as you can see on TV. So, take advantage of the changed regime.”
The court ultimately concluded that the appropriate course of action for the petitioner was to engage with diplomatic channels in the UAE rather than the apex court for immediate relief regarding foreign travel bans.
