Delhi High Court Asked MEA To Seek Information From Abu Dhabi Authorising About Status Of ‘Jailed’ Software Engineer

The Delhi High Court in the case Zakir Hussain v. Union of India observed and has issued a notice on a plea filed by Father’s wherein seeking information about his son who is stated to have been jailed in United Arab Emirates
The bench headed by Justice Prathiba M Singh in the case observed and has asked the Ministry of External Affairs for obtaining all relevant information relating to the person from the authorities in Abu Dhabi.
In the present case, the Zakir Hussain, 54, that despite repeated efforts which is made by him as well as Indian authorities, no reasons or details with regards to the reason for the detention of his son have been shared with him. According to the petition, his son being a software engineer, went missing on the intervening night of 20 July, 21 July 2019.
It has been submitted by the counsel appearing for the Union of India that the government has been pursuing the matter and that the son of the petitioner has been sentenced to the term of 10 years for imprisonment by the Federal Court of UAE.
It has also been submitted by the counsel before the court that the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi being in constant touch with the authorities there and it has been continuously seeking information. However, the embassy did not give the complete information.
On the other hand, the counsel, Advocate Shahrukh Alam appearing for the petitioner submitted before the court that India has an agreement for transfer of sentenced persons with UAE and thus the steps are been taken by MEA wherein seeking information and repatriation of the son under the agreement which is operational.
The court while hearing of the parties observed and has directed officials in MEA or Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi to keep the petitioner informed of any information that they may acquire either from the UAE authorities or from the law firm being engaged by the Government of India.
It has also been submitted in his petition of the 54 year old that while his son is being permitted to call his family twice a week for about 5 to 8 minutes, he is being instructed to only speak in English language wherein adding that till date no reason has been provided for his detention.
The petition stated that the lack of information is not only deeply disturbing but the same is also preventing the Petitioner from resorting to legal remedies and which is actively preventing him from taking any legal action for bringing his son back to India.
Accordingly, the court listed the matter to be next heard in March.