HC issues notice to Centre, State govt on people stranded abroad

Chennai

Observing that the matter would require consideration by the court, a division bench comprising Justice Vineet Kothari and Justice R Suresh Kumar directed the Centre to file a status report regarding the number of applicants who have registered in various embassies, the number of flights various airlines operated, and the details of plans to provide more flights in near future for those stranded to return.

The bench also sought the Centre to provide details of financial help, ticket costs, food, stay, etc., to be provided to those stranded abroad because of the lockdown.

It also issued notice to the State returnable in a week, asking it to file counter and status report about the permissions required for international flights to land in Tamil Nadu and the number of such requisitions by various airlines or other authorities, and the State’s stand on issuing permissions.

Appearing for the DMK, senior counsel P Wilson submitted that the Vande Bharat Mission gave the details of flight operations by Air India but only from limited number of countries, whereas a larger number of people are stranded in countries like Singapore, Malaysia and UK. The State government has not given permission for landing aircrafts in any airport here, he said, adding that it caused trouble for stranded people, particularly those who want to return to Tamil Nadu.