SC issues notice to Centre seeking security of Indian studen

The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Union government on a PIL seeking direction to work out a mechanism in consultation with the governments of Australia and Canada for ensuring safety and security of Indian students studying there.

A vacation bench comprising Justices Dalveer Bhandari and Asok Kumar Ganguly issued notice to the Ministry of External Affairs and the HRD Ministry after hearing the petition.

Mr D K Garg, the counsel for the petitioner, contended that the government of India must try to find out some permanent solution in consultation with the governments of the concerned countries so that such incidents do not recur in future.

The apex court in its order appreciated the efforts being made by the government to ensure the safety and security of about 96,000 Indian students studying in Australia.

It has granted time to the government to respond to the petition till June 26 and fixed June 29 as the next date of hearing.

Petitioner Ranbir Singh Yadav, an advocate, in his petition has contended that recent racial attacks on Indian students in countries like Australia, Canada and the US were a matter of serious concern for their families.

He also contended that the government must step up its efforts through the comity of nations as such attacks amounted to violation of human rights as well as the fundamental right to education and life, which was recognised even by the United Nations.