Delhi High Court Orders Urgent Action for Return of Indian Student Detained in Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Mahmad Husen Majothi has been detained by the Ukrainian forces.

The Delhi High Court on Monday instructed the Central government to take immediate action to secure the safe return of 22-year-old Indian student Sahil Mahmad Husen Majothi, who is currently being held by Ukrainian authorities.

During the hearing of a petition submitted by the student's mother, Hasinaben Samsudinbhai Majothi, Justice Sachin Datta noted that the young man likely joined the Russian military under pressure. "He must have been forced to join the Russian Army."

"Please take all steps to bring him back," the judge urged government representatives, emphasizing the importance of swift diplomatic intervention.

The Court directed the Centre to designate a liaison officer to communicate with Ukrainian officials and request consular access to Majothi. The case will be reviewed again on December 3.

The Union government has been given a four-week period to submit a status report detailing actions taken thus far.

According to Advocates Robin Raju and Deepa Joseph, Majothi had gone to St. Petersburg, Russia, in January 2024 with a study visa to attend a Russian language and culture program at ITMO University.

His mother claimed that while working part-time for a courier company, he was falsely accused in a drug case, arrested in April 2024, and subsequently pressured into joining Russian military forces.

The petitioner, who is battling cancer and resides in Morbi, Gujarat, mentioned losing contact with her son after his arrest and fears he was compelled to participate in combat before being captured by Ukrainian forces. She turned to the court after multiple appeals to Indian authorities proved unsuccessful.

Reports indicate that Sahil Majothi's detention represents the first known instance of an Indian citizen being held for alleged involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.