The Delhi High Court has stepped in to provide critical relief for three Indian nationals currently on death row in Indonesia. In a significant development, the court has directed that adequate legal assistance must be extended to the individuals by the Indian authorities.

The case was heard by Justice Sachin Datta, who was dealing with a writ petition filed by the spouses of Raju Muthukumaran, Selvadurai Dinakaran, and Govindasamy Vimalkandhan. These three men were employed at ASL Shipyard in Indonesia and were convicted by the Tanjung Balai Karimun District Court for possession of narcotics, an offence under Indonesian law. The court had sentenced them to death on April 25, 2025, as per Judgment Nos. 209 to 211/Pid.sus/2024/PN Tbk.

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According to the petition, the families of these men are financially weak and are unable to arrange legal representation for the appeal process in Indonesia. The petitioners highlighted that the appeal timelines in Indonesia are extremely tight, and swift action is needed to prevent irreversible outcomes.

In response, the Delhi High Court directed the Indian Consulate in Indonesia to take the following immediate actions:

“Ensure that the convicted Indian nationals are afforded adequate legal representation, and to render appropriate assistance to them for the purpose of pursuing appellate remedies.”

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Additionally, the court instructed the Consulate to:

“Facilitate communication between the said convicted individuals and their families in India.”

Recognizing the urgency and the need for broader diplomatic efforts, the Court further directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India to actively engage with the Indonesian authorities:

“The respondent no.2 / Ministry of External Affairs, Union of India is also directed to pursue the matter at the diplomatic level with the Indonesian government, for the protection of the Indian nationals under applicable international conventions or bilateral agreement/s (if any).”

The court has issued notice in the matter, and the next hearing is scheduled for May 6, 2025. Meanwhile, the Indian government has been asked to report the steps taken to protect its citizens.

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This order brings temporary relief and a hope of justice for the three men and their families, who now await further assistance from the Indian authorities in a foreign legal system.

Title: N. DEEPIKA & ORS. v. UNION OF INDIA & ANR.