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Madras High Court Instructs To Take Safety Measures For Women, After Nine Women From India Were Held Captive in Dubai

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In the case of The Registrar, Madras HC vs Union of India, the issue pertained to direct the respondents to rescue 9 Indian Women. The women were threatened by life by sexual assault and abduction, and were also abducted at the Fujairah Hotel Dubai. The Bench comprised of Justice Mr Sathyanarayanan and Justice Dr Anita Sumanth.

Facts of the Case

Based on an article published in Times of India, 27.05.2020, the Court took the case by Suo Moto PIL. The report concerned nine women trapped in Dubai under a false promise of work but were held hostage at the Fujairah Hotel in Dubai.

One of the hostages managed to contact her sister. She informed about how they were forced to serve clients, sexually and otherwise. Besides, she narrated the torture they are facing in such a case.

Observation of Court

Upon obtaining the full information, they found 11 women stranded in Dubai. These women belonged to Tamil Nadu, Kerela, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. They have been in close touch with the authorities and on the ground, volunteers made arrangements for their safety and accommodation on the flight arranged by Vande Bharat Mission. They safely reached India and arrived at their respective homes.

The Court found on review of affidavit and newspaper material that there is some cause for concern. Therefore, it took action within one day of the notification to the respondents. The swift action resulted in the security, well-being, and safety of the women held captive.

The Court directed the Commissioner of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils, Chennai:

  1. To make a report for the four women from Tamil Nadu.
  2. To get their counterparts in the other three states to do the same for the seven women of their States.

Decision of Court

In conclusion, the Court instructed the Union of India to take measures to ensure the safety of women travelling to the UAE under false promises of employment.


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