"No trace of 9 Gujaratis missing on Caribbean island, High Court rejects PIL; Petitioner appreciates government-court help but search for missing people in vain"
Gujarat High Court disposes of petition in case of 9 missing Gujaratis
Key points:
9 Gujaratis had illegally left for America via Caribbean islands, but have not been heard from since February 2023.
The High Court dismissed the PIL as there was no result despite the efforts of the Central Government and Indian Embassies, but reserved the right to file a new complaint in the future.
The missing people were last travelling from Dominica to Antigua and planned to go to America from there.
Details:
1. Background of the case:
These 9 Gujaratis travelled from the French Caribbean island (Guadeloupe) to Dominica and Antigua with visas, but their contact was lost after 3 February 2023.
The family continuously contacted the Indian Government, French and American embassies, but there was no trace. The Indian Ambassador had gone to Guadeloupe, but was unsuccessful.
2. High Court's observations:
A bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranab Trivedi noted that the government made sufficient efforts, but it was not possible to trace the missing people.
The petitioner's lawyer Yatin Ojha argued that the court should help as it is difficult to get visas in French territory, but the court suggested taking the help of the Ministry of External Affairs.
3. Acceptance of illegal travel:
The family believed that these 9 people were traveling illegally in a small boat to go to America. It is possible that they could be in a detention center on the island of Guadeloupe, from where it is difficult to get information.
4. Further action:
The High Court dismissed the petition and said that if new evidence is found, a fresh application can be filed. The family has taken the services of lawyers from France, but the progress of the case is limited.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the dangerous conditions of illegal travel. Despite the efforts of the High Court and the government, finding the missing persons seems unlikely, but the family has been left with legal options open for the future.
Article published | Sat | 28 Jun 2025 | 8:26 PM