Delhi HC Directs Centre to Ensure Safety of Indian Woman Held Captive in Dubai by Foreign National
Delhi High Court Orders MEA Action After Father Claims Daughter Is Being Held Captive in Dubai
The Delhi High Court has directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Consulate General of India in Dubai to take immediate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of a 25-year-old Indian woman who is allegedly being held captive in Dubai by a foreign national.
Justice Sachin Datta took note of the father’s plea, claiming that his daughter is being illegally confined and subjected to physical abuse abroad and instructed authorities to verify the facts and also assist in her repatriation, if she wishes to return.
"In the circumstances, given the gravity of the situation, the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the Consulate General of India in Dubai, UAE are directed to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the petitioner’s daughter and verify the allegations made in the present petition," the Court ordered.
The Bench has also sought a status report from the authorities within two weeks
The petition has been filed by the woman’s father seeking directions to the MEA to act upon his representation dated November 15, 2025, and take steps to repatriate his daughter. According to the plea, the woman, who was working as a nurse at a private hospital in Chennai, came in contact with the foreign national while he was undergoing medical treatment.
Trusting him and persuaded by the job offer and remuneration, she travelled to Dubai on January 23, 2023, to work as his medical aide for one year. However, the petition claims that after initial communication, contact became irregular and she was not permitted to return to India even two years after her departure. The foreign national allegedly confiscated her passport and visa to prevent her from leaving.
The plea states that the woman recently managed to contact her family and disclosed alleged physical assault and denial of basic necessities. The petitioner also placed before the court photographs purportedly sent by her over WhatsApp to a relative, reportedly showing signs of abuse.
The family approached the authorities earlier this month, but after no response, the petitioner moved the High Court seeking judicial intervention.
The matter will be taken up again on December 15.
Case Title: V. Thirunavukkarasu vs Union of India & anr
Bench: Justice Sachin Datta
Order Date: 26.11.2025