Why Did the Kerala HC Criticize the 'Flawed' Protocol After an Indian Deported from Kuwait Went Missing?
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Synopsis
The Kerala High Court's scathing remarks on the handling of Suraj Lama's deportation raise serious questions about protocol for deported individuals. How could a man with cognitive impairments go missing after being allowed to exit without oversight? This case highlights critical lapses in administrative procedures that could jeopardize public safety.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala High Court raises concerns over administrative handling of deported individuals.
- Suraj Lama went missing after being deported from Kuwait.
- The Court questions the protocols for managing deportees with mental health issues.
- Authorities are directed to investigate the circumstances of Lama's disappearance.
- Case highlights serious lapses in immigration oversight.
Kochi, December 4 (NationPress) - The Kerala High Court expressed profound concern regarding the administrative oversight related to Suraj Lama, an Indian national who was deported from Kuwait and has been unaccounted for since his arrival in Kochi.
A Division Bench, led by Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehalatha, was addressing a habeas corpus petition submitted by Lama's son, who is urgently seeking assistance in locating him.
As per the case documentation, Lama was deported from Kuwait due to ambiguous "vitiating factors".
Upon arriving at Kochi Airport, he was reportedly permitted to leave without being transferred to any appropriate authority.
The Court inquired how such a significant error could happen when deportations generally involve serious matters such as medical issues, criminal activities, or security risks.
Showing disbelief at the lack of monitoring, the Bench stated it was "unable to fathom" how a deported individual could exit the airport without proper checks.
"What protocol does the Government of India employ for managing deported individuals? If someone is sent back due to COVID, do we let him roam freely? If it’s due to terrorism, are we allowing him to walk on the streets? What kind of system operates in a civilized nation?" Justice Ramachandran questioned.
Lama, reportedly suffering from mental health issues and cognitive difficulties, was said to have been taken to the Government Medical College Hospital after his arrival.
However, he subsequently went missing.
While a body has been discovered since, the Court expressed hope that it does not belong to Lama and instructed the Director General of Police to submit a comprehensive report.
The Bench also demanded that the Superintendent of the Medical College Hospital provide all relevant medical records and clarify under whose jurisdiction Lama was admitted and how he was able to leave the facility.
"The critical question is: how did he exit the hospital? We seek answers," the Court remarked.
On Thursday, the Government Pleader requested additional time for the authorities to respond.
An interim report from the Deputy Superintendent of Police confirmed sightings of Lama on October 8 and October 10 near the Medical College, just days after his arrival on October 5.
The officer requested more time to prepare a "full report" due to election-related responsibilities.
The Court, however, declined to accept any delays.
"Elections cannot impede our investigation," it remarked, underscoring the urgency of determining what transpired with Lama and identifying the administrative failures that led to his disappearance.
Point of View
I firmly believe that this incident underscores a troubling lack of oversight in our immigration protocols. The Kerala High Court's intervention is critical, not only in seeking justice for Suraj Lama but also in demanding accountability from authorities to prevent future oversights. The case raises vital questions about our systems and the safety of vulnerable individuals.
NationPress
04/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Suraj Lama after his deportation?
Suraj Lama, an Indian citizen deported from Kuwait, went missing shortly after arriving in Kochi, raising serious concerns about the administrative handling of his case.
Why did the Kerala High Court intervene?
The Kerala High Court intervened in response to a habeas corpus petition filed by Lama's son, emphasizing the need to trace his whereabouts and address administrative lapses.
What are the concerns raised by the Court?
The Court questioned the protocols in place for handling deported individuals, especially those with known health issues, and expressed shock over the lack of oversight.
What did the Court direct authorities to do?
The Court directed the Director General of Police to file a detailed report and requested the Superintendent of the Medical College Hospital to provide all relevant hospital records.
What are the implications of this case?
This case highlights significant lapses in immigration and public safety protocols, necessitating a review of procedures to ensure such incidents do not recur.
