In a writ petition filed before the Delhi High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution read with Section 151 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC), seeking a direction for the Union of India (respondent 1) for extending effective consular, diplomatic, and facilitative assistance to the petitioner regarding grievances arising out of allegedly false accusations that led to his deportation from the United Kingdom, a Single Judge Bench of Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued notice to the respondents.
The petitioner travelled to the United Kingdom on 30-06-2022 on a valid tourist visa with assistance of a local agent of Ludhiana. During the course of acquaintance, he developed a close relationship a woman and their mutual understanding led them to a consensual decision of solemnizing marriage. The petitioner transferred £3,500 to the woman upon the assurance that the said amount would be utilized towards facilitation of extension of the petitioner’s visa. However, it was misappropriated by the woman for personal use.
The woman also interfered in the petitioner’s employment circumstance after marriage as she had influenced his employer to divert the petitioner’s salary to her account. The petitioner also alleged that the woman and her family pressurised him with demands for religious conversion and made unlawful monetary demands of approximately Rs. 25 lakhs. Upon his refusal, false allegations were levelled against the petitioner and criminal proceedings were initiated.
A non-molestation order dated 10-07-2023 was also passed against the petitioner without a fair opportunity of hearing. The petitioner also lodged a complaint before the NRI Wing of Punjab Police by an email dated 14-07-2023. Further, he underwent imprisonment for three months before being deported to India on 06-01-2024. Thereafter, he lodged a complaint before the authorities concerned and approached several public figures including the former Chief Minister of Gujarat to address his grievances.
The petitioner submitted that during his stay in the United Kingdom, he was allegedly subjected to financial exploitation, coercion, pressure for religious conversion, misuse of immigration and legal processes, false implication in legal proceedings, and denial of effective legal assistance, which ultimately led to criminal proceedings, imprisonment, and deportation to India. It was asserted that the petitioner was unable to secure visa or entry clearance for foreign jurisdictions including the United Kingdom, which affected his livelihood opportunities, future prospects and social reputation.
A detailed representation dated 29-04-2026 was submitted by the petitioner before the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, British High Commission, and the Indian High Commission, but no effective action was taken. Hence, the present petition was filed.
The Court issued notice to the respondents and directed the respondents to take instructions and file their replies before the next date of hearing.
