. NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Friday asked the Union government to respond to a habeas corpus petition seeking the safe return of 26 Indian nationals allegedly stuck in Russia and forced to fight in the war against Ukraine.A bench led by chief justice of India Surya Kant, along with justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi, issued notice to the Centre and asked it to reply within a week. Watch Ukraine War Paused For Easter; Putin Declares Ceasefire, Zelensky Welcomes Halt In Fighting Quoting messages received from those stranded, lawyers for the families said, “We are stuck in Russia. We are fighting a war against Ukraine for a foreign state unwillingly.” Responding to this, Mehta told the court that the matter would be examined and sought time. The Bench noted this and said it had already asked the government earlier to look into the issue.The petition, filed by family members, said the 26 Indians had travelled to Russia on valid visas, some as tourists, some as students, after being promised jobs by recruitment agents. But after reaching there, their passports were taken away, their movement restricted, and they were threatened and pushed into joining military units linked to the Russian armed forces.Families said the last messages they received, mostly between September and October 2025, showed that the men were in or near active conflict zones such as Kupyansk, Selydove, Makiivka and Chelyabinsk. They had expressed fear and said they could not leave the areas where they were deployed. In many cases, contact has since been lost, and families did not know their current condition or whereabouts.The petition also said that despite repeated requests to authorities, including the ministry of external affairs, the Indian embassy in Moscow, the ministry of home affairs, and state governments, families have not received clear information or effective help. Invoking Article 32 of the Constitution, the petition argued that the government has a duty to protect Indian citizens even outside the country, especially when they cannot protect themselves. It also raised concerns about illegal recruitment networks that target vulnerable people with false job promises and send them abroad.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTelangana HC Grants Pawan Khera One Week Bail In FIR By Himanta Sarma’s WifePunjabi Influencer Kamal Kaur’s Murder: Punjab Police Arrest Main Accused Amritpal Singh MehronIndian Army Clears Brigadier Post For Col Shrikant Purohit After Acquittal In Malegaon Blast Case’Love Jihad Or Law Violation?’ Viral Kumbh Girl Monalisa Bhosle Case Raises Serious Legal QuestionsIndia–US Trade Deal Enters Final Phase; Delegation Set for Washington VisitAnother Embarrassment For Pak; Israel Blasts Asif Over ‘Annihilation’ Remark Ahead Of Iran-US TalksIndia To Post Defence Attaché In Mauritius; Oil, Gas Pact Nears Finalisation: EAM Jaishankar‘Glimmer Of Hope’: Mauritius PM Hails India’s Support Amid Iran Crisis, Eyes Key Oil And Gas DealElection Season Kicks Off With Record Voter Turnout In Assam, Puducherry As Kerala Clocks 77% VotingIndia Withdraws Bid To Host COP33 In 2028 — Here’s Why The Government Reconsidered123Photostories5 dog breeds known for unmatched loyalty: From Akita to ChihuahuaHow Kenyan group at Mumbai airport tried to ditch 29kg gold hidden in shoes, but DRI tracked their every moveHow does Sawai Padmanabh Singh’s home in Jaipur City Palace look like: 5 mesmerising photos from inside10 essential things to pack for every trip: The only travel checklist you needFrom opening up about his Rs 2 crore debt to rejection at Shark Tank India: Times when Rajesh Kumar made headlinesWhat people secretly feel about you (numerology insight)5 rare Ferrari cars collectors dream of owning7 elegant living room styles that enhance high-end property appeal6 rose-like flowers perfect for balcony gardens and small spaces10 home names inspired by time, moments, and life phases123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingVijayKerala Missing StudentTiger WoodsTelangana Triple MurderUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Bhojshala disputeLaker Injury UpdatesSchool Holidays in AprilChar Dham Yatra 2026
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court on Friday asked the Union government to respond to a habeas corpus petition seeking the safe return of 26 Indian nationals allegedly stuck in Russia and forced to fight in the war against Ukraine.A bench led by chief justice of India Surya Kant, along with justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi, issued notice to the Centre and asked it to reply within a week.
Quoting messages received from those stranded, lawyers for the families said, “We are stuck in Russia. We are fighting a war against Ukraine for a foreign state unwillingly.” Responding to this, Mehta told the court that the matter would be examined and sought time. The Bench noted this and said it had already asked the government earlier to look into the issue.The petition, filed by family members, said the 26 Indians had travelled to Russia on valid visas, some as tourists, some as students, after being promised jobs by recruitment agents. But after reaching there, their passports were taken away, their movement restricted, and they were threatened and pushed into joining military units linked to the Russian armed forces.Families said the last messages they received, mostly between September and October 2025, showed that the men were in or near active conflict zones such as Kupyansk, Selydove, Makiivka and Chelyabinsk. They had expressed fear and said they could not leave the areas where they were deployed. In many cases, contact has since been lost, and families did not know their current condition or whereabouts.The petition also said that despite repeated requests to authorities, including the ministry of external affairs, the Indian embassy in Moscow, the ministry of home affairs, and state governments, families have not received clear information or effective help. Invoking Article 32 of the Constitution, the petition argued that the government has a duty to protect Indian citizens even outside the country, especially when they cannot protect themselves. It also raised concerns about illegal recruitment networks that target vulnerable people with false job promises and send them abroad.
![NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday claimed that the Narendra Modi-led government’s proposed move to amend the women’s reservation law and expand the number of parliamentary seats could violate the Model Code of Conduct and have “grave consequences”. He also asserted that the opposition will move unitedly on this.Addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Kharge said the issue required deeper consultation and that the opposition would respond collectively. “Therefore, following this meeting, we will formulate a collective strategy by holding discussions on these issues with our colleagues in the opposition as well. We will move forward unitedly,” Kharge was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.The Congress chief also questioned the timing of the special Parliament session scheduled from April 16 to 18, alleging it was aimed at political gain. “The Modi government is convening Parliament’s sittings with the sole intention of securing political advantage and is keen to pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill in utmost haste,” Kharge said.He noted that the proposed amendments could significantly impact India’s electoral system and therefore warranted “very deep deliberation”. “Based on the information we have received so far, the government wants to implement women’s reservation starting from the 2029 elections … it wants to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816,” Kharge said.Raising concerns over the delimitation exercise, he added, “This delimitation proposal will have serious consequences. Therefore, there is a need for very deep deliberation on delimitation.”Kharge further alleged that the government had ignored the opposition’s request to hold an all-party meeting after the conclusion of polling in West Bengal. “This constitutes a violation of the Model Code of Conduct … we harbour no expectation that [the Election Commission] will even take cognisance of these violations,” he said.The meeting, attended by senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, discussed the government’s proposal on women’s reservation, delimitation, and the broader political context ahead of upcoming elections.In a Facebook post, Rahul Gandhi said, “The Congress remains steadfastly committed to ensuring women’s empowerment and social justice.”The government is expected to introduce bills during the special session to implement the Women’s Reservation Act before the 2029 general elections and increase Lok Sabha seats, with a significant share reserved for women.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJustice Yashwant Varma Resigns Amid Cash Row — Why He Stepped Down On Day Of Impeachment Defence’Win A War Without Firing?’ CDS Anil Chauhan Explains Shift From Battlefield To Perception WarfareExercise Brahmastra: Indian army’s first firing from the AH-64E Apache attack helicoptersMarco Rubio’s India Visit Next Month After Talks With Vikram Misri in WashingtonTelangana HC Grants Pawan Khera One Week Bail In FIR By Himanta Sarma’s WifePunjabi Influencer Kamal Kaur’s Murder: Punjab Police Arrest Main Accused Amritpal Singh MehronIndian Army Clears Brigadier Post For Col Shrikant Purohit After Acquittal In Malegaon Blast Case’Love Jihad Or Law Violation?’ Viral Kumbh Girl Monalisa Bhosle Case Raises Serious Legal QuestionsIndia–US Trade Deal Enters Final Phase; Delegation Set for Washington VisitAnother Embarrassment For Pak; Israel Blasts Asif Over ‘Annihilation’ Remark Ahead Of Iran-US Talks123PhotostoriesWant love that lasts? 5 phrases that can save your relationshipChild’s roti and sugar for school lunch goes viral: 13 school tiffin meals that all 90s kids can relate to10 stunning gates that reflect the beauty of Indian architectureThat constant throat clearing isn’t just a habit: What it could reveal about acid reflux and how to manage it5 times Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, was mocked for being uniqueBest TV mystery and thriller series: ‘Sherlock’, ‘Line of Duty’, ‘Dexter’ and moreKangana Ranaut, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan to Hema Malini: Bollywood celebrities who stepped into politicsFrom theatre roots to ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, how Rakesh Bedi became the surprise scene-stealerFlyovers, U-turns, parallel roads: Why Delhi’s Aurobindo Marg needs urgent fixKey safety upgrades for Pune’s Rakshak Chowk flyover before inauguration123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingVijayKerala Missing StudentTiger WoodsTelangana Triple MurderUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Bhojshala disputeLaker Injury UpdatesSchool Holidays in AprilChar Dham Yatra 2026](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/1775826120_photo.jpg "NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday claimed that the Narendra Modi-led government’s proposed move to amend the women’s reservation law and expand the number of parliamentary seats could violate the Model Code of Conduct and have “grave consequences”. He also asserted that the opposition will move unitedly on this.Addressing a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), Kharge said the issue required deeper consultation and that the opposition would respond collectively. “Therefore, following this meeting, we will formulate a collective strategy by holding discussions on these issues with our colleagues in the opposition as well. We will move forward unitedly,” Kharge was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.The Congress chief also questioned the timing of the special Parliament session scheduled from April 16 to 18, alleging it was aimed at political gain. “The Modi government is convening Parliament’s sittings with the sole intention of securing political advantage and is keen to pass the Constitutional Amendment Bill in utmost haste,” Kharge said.He noted that the proposed amendments could significantly impact India’s electoral system and therefore warranted “very deep deliberation”. “Based on the information we have received so far, the government wants to implement women’s reservation starting from the 2029 elections … it wants to increase the number of seats in the Lok Sabha from 543 to 816,” Kharge said.Raising concerns over the delimitation exercise, he added, “This delimitation proposal will have serious consequences. Therefore, there is a need for very deep deliberation on delimitation.”Kharge further alleged that the government had ignored the opposition’s request to hold an all-party meeting after the conclusion of polling in West Bengal. “This constitutes a violation of the Model Code of Conduct … we harbour no expectation that [the Election Commission] will even take cognisance of these violations,” he said.The meeting, attended by senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, discussed the government’s proposal on women’s reservation, delimitation, and the broader political context ahead of upcoming elections.In a Facebook post, Rahul Gandhi said, “The Congress remains steadfastly committed to ensuring women’s empowerment and social justice.”The government is expected to introduce bills during the special session to implement the Women’s Reservation Act before the 2029 general elections and increase Lok Sabha seats, with a significant share reserved for women.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosJustice Yashwant Varma Resigns Amid Cash Row — Why He Stepped Down On Day Of Impeachment Defence’Win A War Without Firing?’ CDS Anil Chauhan Explains Shift From Battlefield To Perception WarfareExercise Brahmastra: Indian army’s first firing from the AH-64E Apache attack helicoptersMarco Rubio’s India Visit Next Month After Talks With Vikram Misri in WashingtonTelangana HC Grants Pawan Khera One Week Bail In FIR By Himanta Sarma’s WifePunjabi Influencer Kamal Kaur’s Murder: Punjab Police Arrest Main Accused Amritpal Singh MehronIndian Army Clears Brigadier Post For Col Shrikant Purohit After Acquittal In Malegaon Blast Case’Love Jihad Or Law Violation?’ Viral Kumbh Girl Monalisa Bhosle Case Raises Serious Legal QuestionsIndia–US Trade Deal Enters Final Phase; Delegation Set for Washington VisitAnother Embarrassment For Pak; Israel Blasts Asif Over ‘Annihilation’ Remark Ahead Of Iran-US Talks123PhotostoriesWant love that lasts? 5 phrases that can save your relationshipChild’s roti and sugar for school lunch goes viral: 13 school tiffin meals that all 90s kids can relate to10 stunning gates that reflect the beauty of Indian architectureThat constant throat clearing isn’t just a habit: What it could reveal about acid reflux and how to manage it5 times Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, was mocked for being uniqueBest TV mystery and thriller series: ‘Sherlock’, ‘Line of Duty’, ‘Dexter’ and moreKangana Ranaut, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan to Hema Malini: Bollywood celebrities who stepped into politicsFrom theatre roots to ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, how Rakesh Bedi became the surprise scene-stealerFlyovers, U-turns, parallel roads: Why Delhi’s Aurobindo Marg needs urgent fixKey safety upgrades for Pune’s Rakshak Chowk flyover before inauguration123Hot PicksIran war ceasefirePAN Card application 2026Purple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingVijayKerala Missing StudentTiger WoodsTelangana Triple MurderUS stock marketPAN Card application 2026Bhojshala disputeLaker Injury UpdatesSchool Holidays in AprilChar Dham Yatra 2026")
