'I Don't Know Which Poor Person Travels To USA' : Solicitor General In Plea For Financial Aid To Indian Emigrants In US Amid COVID19

The Supreme Court on Friday took up for hearing a petition seeking evacuation of Indians stranded in the USA.

A bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul & BR Gavai instructed the counsel to withdraw the petition and make an appropriate representation before concerned authorities.

Senior Advocate Vibha Datta Makhija pointed out that there were some Indian citizens in the USA who were in need of financial assistance amid the COVID situation.

"How can we order this? There are underprivileged people in this country!" - Supreme Court

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta pointed out that there were enough amenities being provided to the citizens there and that one, Mr. Rohit Sharma from the Consulate was assisting persons as required.

"I don't know which poor person travels to US. Madam if you are not happy, you can approach the Indian community in US. They are also providing help. But there can't be any direction" - Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

The Centre had issued Standard Operating Protocols on May 6 for evacuation of Indian Citizens stranded Abroad amid the pandemic.

Termed the "Vande Bharat Mission", the evacuation has been started at the behest of Government. As on date, an influx of stranded Indians from various countries have been brought back.

On April 21, the Supreme Court had disposed off two pleas which sought the evacuation of Indians stranded in the USA and Moldova respectively amid the COVID19 outbreak.

A 3-judge Bench comprising Justices NV Ramana, SK Kaul and BR Gavai decided to leave it to the discretion of the Government to take a call as to when it would be best suited to bring these people back, and refused to interfere.

Pursuant to a notice on advocate Vibha Datta Makhija's plea to evacuate distressed Indians who are stranded in US while their temporary visas were expiring, the Central government filed a status report apprising the Court of the measures being taken by them to ensure the well-being of the said Indians.

The report had outlined details of the nodal officers appointed by the Government for each region and highlighted the various measures undertaken by the embassy and consulates to help those stranded, in collaboration with some voluntary organisations that had stepped in.

On April 13, The Supreme Court had observed that Indian students who are stranded in United Kingdom cannot be brought back right now.

'Stay where you are', the CJI observed, taking note of the affidavit filed by the Central Government detailing the measures adopted for the welfare of students stranded in UK.

The court had directed the Centre to file its response on the petitions seeking evacuation of Indians in USA & of Indian Fishermen standed in Iran before April 20, 2020.