India’s Top Court Seeks Center’s Response on Arresting NRIs Abandoning Wives

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to review a petition filed by a group of women, who were deserted by their NRI husbands and have faced dowry harassment from them. It has also sought a response from the central government on the demand for compulsory arrest of NRI men for abandoning their wives or torturing them for dowry.

According to a report in the New Indian Express, the petition was jointly filed by eight women from Delhi, Pune, Bhatinda in Punjab and Puducherry. Raising the issue of fraud committed by NRI men in marriages, these women have sought the protection of their rights from the apex court.

The women not only demanded mandatory arrest of such NRI husbands but also consular assistance to fight the cases abroad, PTI reported.

The Supreme Court’s bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi issued a notice to center and sought its response on this plea.

“Issue notice. The Union of India, in its reply to be submitted within six weeks, will indicate the feasibility of having a policy on the issue. The petitioners are restrained from filing any further document,” the bench, also comprising of Justice SK Kaul and Justice KM Joseph, said, the news agency reported.

The women, represented by advocate Satya Mitra, have demanded that lookout notices be issued immediately after the FIR is lodged against such absconding husbands. They also demanded that the passports of NRI husbands be revoked, if they don’t obey the summons or warrants.

Other than the exemption from court fees for abandoned wives, the plea also seeks financial support for such women.

The plea urged the Supreme Court to direct Indian embassies abroad to help women by locating their husbands and provide them with legal assistance, the report added.