CJI Ramana Meets UAE Law Minister; Discusses Issues Of Pending Extraditions, Consular Access To Indian Prisoners

The Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Thursday said that he had a discussion with the Law Minister of the United Arab Emirates regarding the pending extradition orders and consular access to Indians in UAE prisons.

The CJI was speaking at the felicitation ceremony organised by the Indian Community at Indian Cultural and Social Centre, Abu Dhabi.

"Today we discussed with the UAE Law Minister some issues bothering the Government. There are some 175 people whose extradition orders are pending and when the Ambassador brought it to notice, we represented it to the Law Ministry to look into this and try to expedite these extradition orders", CJI Ramana said.

The CJI further spoke out the the legislations made by UAE government to protect traditional laws of Indians who have come from different parts and how the Government has agreed to implement them and create more courts.

"In family courts, we've seen that legislations were made by UAE government to protect traditional laws of Indians who came from different parts. They've agreed & it seems they've created courts. They have said they'll implement it. But some difficulties are taking place, there are not enough interpretators. They'll say they'll take care so people who don't understand Arabic can use interpretors. The Minister has promised the issues will be taken care of. I appreciate the Ambassador's hard work and sincerity", the CJI said.

"Both the Law Minister & Chief Justice in one voice praised Indians here, they say they're sincere and hardworking. This has given me satisfaction. I'm proud of you, and so are all Indians. I congratulate all of you", the CJI added.

The Indian Embassy in UAE tweeted that :

"Ambassador Sanjay Sudhir accompanied the Chief Justice of India Shri N V Ramana in his meeting with HE Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi,UAE Minister of Justice, and HE Mohd. Hamad Al Badi, President of UAE Federal Supreme Court. This is the first ever visit by the CJI to the UAE.

In the presence of Hon. Justice Smt. Hima Kohli, and HE Judge Abdul Rahman Al Balushi, Minister of Justice, UAE, issues concerning Indian expatriates in the UAE and closer judicial cooperation between India and UAE were discussed. The historic visit by CJI will boost the India-UAE shared vision".

Strong ties between India and UAE

The CJI said that one of the major reasons for strong ties between the two nations is that Indians constitute one of the strongest groups in the United Arab Emirates.

"Nearly 3.5 million Indians are living here comprising 30% of total population, Indians have contributed to development of UAE over the years", he said

Justice Hima Kohli, Judge, Supreme Court of India was also felicitated at the event. CJI NV Ramana and Justice Hima Kohli are scheduled to address an international conference on Arbitration in the Era of Globalization in Dubai this week.

While pointing out that the nature of work and workers migrating to UAE has changed with growth in the service sector, CJI Ramana said that the Indian population has been completely integrated into fabric of the society.

He spoke about how one of most significant things about Indian diaspora in UAE is their contribution to India, as whenever there has been a calamity or requirement to contribute, they've always delivered.

Gulf brothers came to help when Kerala faced floods

"I remember when Kerala faced floods, it was our Gulf brother and sisters who helped those in need. It reminds me of famous lines of a Bollywood movie 'Mera Joota Hai Japani Yeh Patloon Englishtani Sir Pe Laal Topi Roosi Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani"' CJI said

Referring to the Indian community in UAE, CJI Ramana said, "India resides in all of you, and I know wherever you go for work, you'll always think about India and keep your flag shining high. Your Indian values of care, fraternity must shine through. It's not the soil where you reside dictates you or who you are but the values that you carry".

He advised the Indian community to not to forget their motherland or detach from their roots.

"Sustain and promote your culture, celebrate festivals, organise and join cultural events. It's through these concerted efforts that you can promote brotherhood between communities and sustain much needed solidarity. Each one of you represents what India is known for and what India stands for. Be good, do good, be honest, you'll certainly be rewarded", CJI said.

The CJI further suggested that an organisation like the Indian Culture Centre in UAE can create a legal assistance centre to help those in need of legal assistance in India.

He stated that both National and State legal Service Authority in India are able to take care of legal needs of 70% population and assured that they will extend all possible help with dealing legal problems to those in need in India.

Referring to his meeting with the UAE's Minister of Justice, and the President of the UAE's Federal Supreme Court in presence of the Indian Ambassador for UAE, the CJI said that several humanitarian issues including pending extradition orders, transfer of sentence of prisoners etc were discussed.

He said that recently the two nations have signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, in consideration of future growth and development of these countries. Further, on the Judicial side there are some bilateral agreements that have been entered into regarding extradition, execution of decrees, mutual legal assistance in criminal cases etc.