The Kerala High Court on Thursday (December 11) directed authorities to produce the full deportation records of Suraj Lama, an Indian national deported from Kuwait who went missing after landing in Kochi.

A division bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M.B. Snehalatha issued the order while hearing a habeas corpus plea filed by Lama’s son. Earlier, the Court had asked for details of the protocol followed when citizens are deported back to India.

Although the DSGI submitted a statement, the bench expressed dissatisfaction, remarking that “it has more questions unanswered than answered.”

Before forming any view, the Court said it must examine all deportation-related documents concerning the alleged detenu. If any record is in a foreign language, certified translations must be provided. The DSGI sought time until Monday to comply.

Appearing for the State, the government pleader said that reports from the Superintendent of Government Medical College Hospital, Ernakulam, and a memo from the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Aluva, had been filed. While reviewing these, the Court noted that the medical college report stated Lama was brought by a ‘108 ambulance’ without any bystander. The Court questioned whether the police had issued a requisition for the ambulance.

“The police must send a requisition stating that they are sending this person. The report doesn’t mention it. Where is the police requisition? We want to see it,” the bench said.

The government pleader assured the Court that all relevant materials, including any requisition issued to the hospital, will be produced.

The Court refrained from further remarks but stressed: “Every citizen is equal, and under the Constitutional umbra is a sovereign… We seek these details with this understanding.”

It also directed the government pleader to obtain instructions regarding the forensic examination of the body recovered earlier from Kalamassery.

The matter will be taken up again on Monday.

Case No.: WP (Crl) 1421/2025
Title: Santon Lama v. State of Kerala & Ors.