Delhi High Court Orders Immediate legal Aid For Three Death-Row Indians In Indonesia
The order followed a petition filed by the men’s wives, who cited severe financial constraints and the narrow window for filing an appeal under Indonesian law.
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Indian Consulate in Indonesia to extend urgent legal assistance and facilitate communication for three Indian nationals sentenced to death on April 25 by the Tanjung Balai Karimun district court for narcotics offences.
The order followed a petition filed by the men’s wives, who cited severe financial constraints and the narrow window for filing an appeal under Indonesian law. The three convicts — Raju Muthukumaran, Selvadurai Dinakaran, and Govindasamy Vimalkandhan — face imminent execution unless an appeal is lodged in time.
Presiding Justice Sachin Datta also summoned the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), instructing it to engage with Indonesian authorities under applicable international conventions or bilateral treaties to protect the prisoners’ rights. Advocate Ashish Dixit, appearing for the MEA, accepted service of the court’s order and requested time to secure detailed instructions.
Highlighting the “irreversible consequences” of missing Indonesia’s stringent appeal deadlines, the court underscored the necessity of prompt legal aid. The matter is slated for further hearing on May 6, 2025.