Delhi High Court Intervenes to Protect Indian Citizen Held Captive in Dubai

Court Orders Ministry of External Affairs to Ensure Safety and Facilitate Repatriation of Petitioner’s Daughter  

In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has directed the Ministry of External Affairs and the Consulate General of India in Dubai to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of an Indian citizen reportedly held captive abroad. The petitioner, V. Thirunavukkarasu, sought the court's intervention for the repatriation of his 25-year-old daughter from Dubai, UAE, where she is allegedly being detained against her will by a foreign national.  

The case, adjudicated by Justice Sachin Datta, revolves around serious allegations including physical abuse and deprivation of basic necessities. The petitioner's daughter, a nurse, initially traveled to Dubai in January 2023, accepting an offer to provide medical assistance to the foreign national she had previously met in Chennai, India. However, communication with her family dwindled over time, and she was reportedly prevented from returning to India, with her passport and visa confiscated illegally.  

The situation escalated in October 2025 when Thirunavukkarasu received a distressing phone call from his daughter, in which she detailed her ordeal. Photographic evidence sent via WhatsApp to a family member further corroborated claims of physical abuse. Despite a representation filed with the Ministry of External Affairs on November 15, 2025, no remedial action was taken, prompting the petitioner to approach the High Court.  

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the court has mandated the Ministry of External Affairs and the Consulate General of India to verify the allegations and assist in the repatriation process should the petitioner’s daughter wish to return. The court has also instructed the respondents to file a status report within two weeks to update on the progress of the case.  

This order underscores the judiciary’s commitment to safeguarding the fundamental rights of Indian citizens, especially in distressing situations abroad. The case has been scheduled for a follow-up hearing on December 15, 2025, classified under ‘supplementary matters’.  

Legal experts view this judgment as a crucial step in ensuring governmental accountability and timely intervention in cases involving citizens facing peril abroad. The ruling may set a precedent for similar future cases, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic channels in addressing international human rights concerns.  

Bottom Line:

The Court directed the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, and the Consulate General of India in Dubai, UAE, to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of an Indian citizen held captive abroad and assist in her repatriation.

Statutory provision(s): Constitution of India - Fundamental Rights

V.Thirunavukkarasu v. Union of India, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2815680