Centre seeks US deportation of man who fled India despite passport lying in Supreme Court

The Centre has been asked to take steps to secure the return of a man who travelled to the United States despite his passport being in the custody of the Supreme Court of India. The case came to light during proceedings related to a child custody dispute and contempt allegations against the man. The Supreme Court expressed concern over how the man managed to leave India despite the restrictions imposed during the legal proceedings. The court directed the authorities to examine the circumstances surrounding his departure and take appropriate steps under the law to bring him back.

According to reports published in January 2025, a bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Prashant Kumar Mishra questioned how the man had travelled abroad when his passport was already with the court. The bench also issued a non-bailable warrant against him and asked the Union Home Ministry to take necessary action. The matter is linked to a long-running dispute between the man and his estranged wife over the custody of their child. The couple had moved to the United States after their marriage in 2006, but their relationship later deteriorated, leading to legal proceedings in India and abroad.

In October 2019, the parties reached a settlement before the Supreme Court that included an arrangement for the child to be handed over to the mother. The husband allegedly failed to comply with the agreement, prompting his estranged wife to initiate contempt proceedings. The Supreme Court subsequently sought his appearance during the case. Reports stated that he appeared virtually in December 2022 but failed to attend later hearings in January 2024. The court was informed in January 2025 that he had left India despite his passport being in judicial custody.

The development raised questions about how the man managed to travel internationally and whether any procedural lapses or outside assistance had enabled his departure. The court directed the authorities to investigate the circumstances and explore lawful measures to secure his return. The case also highlights the challenges involved in enforcing court orders when a person travels overseas during ongoing judicial proceedings. Any effort to secure his return from the United States would depend on the applicable legal procedures and cooperation between the authorities of the two countries.

The Supreme Court's directions seek to ensure compliance with its orders and advance the pending proceedings. However, a request to secure a person's return should not be confused with a completed deportation, and any subsequent developments must be confirmed through official updates.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.