The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition seeking the repatriation of 26 Indian nationals allegedly stranded in Russia under troubling circumstances. The plea was filed by family members of the affected individuals, who claim they were deceived by recruitment agents while seeking employment opportunities abroad.
According to the petitioners, the individuals were lured to Russia on job promises but were later allegedly forced to join the Russian military and participate in ongoing conflict-related activities. The families informed the court that several of them are either injured or being held in detention, and have sought urgent intervention for their safe return to India.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Justice Suryakant took serious note of the allegations during the hearing. The court directed the Central Government to file a detailed response on the matter after the petitioner’s counsel highlighted claims of forced recruitment into the Russian armed forces.
Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the matter would be examined in consultation with relevant ministries. The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for the end of April, while the issue has also triggered public concern over the alleged exploitation of Indian workers abroad.