The Kerala High Court on Thursday criticised the authorities for allowing Suraj Lama, an Indian national deported from Kuwait, to walk out of Kochi airport unmonitored before he later went missing. A Division Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice M B Snehalatha was hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Lama’s son.

According to reports, Lama was deported from Kuwait over unspecified concerns. After he arrived at Kochi airport on October 5, 2025, officials allegedly let him leave without placing him under the supervision of any responsible authority.

The Court questioned how such a lapse could occur, noting that deportations are usually carried out for medical, criminal, or security reasons. “We don’t understand how a person who has been deported could have been left free like this without being handed over to someone responsible,” the Bench observed.

Seeking clarity on deportation protocols, the Court asked the Centre: “What guideline does the Government of India have for a deported person? What kind of protocol do we have in a civilised country?”

Lama, who reportedly has cognitive impairment, was taken to the Medical College Hospital after arrival but later went missing. A body was discovered separately, but the Court expressed hope it is not his. It has sought a detailed report from the Director General of Police.

An interim report submitted by the Deputy Superintendent of Police said Lama was seen on October 8 and 10 by the Thrikkakara Police and local residents after he left the Kalamassery Medical College the night he was brought in.

The officer requested more time to file a full report, citing law-and-order duties for upcoming local body elections. The Court, however, said: “Elections can’t stop us… We want to know how he left the hospital and under whose authority he was admitted.”

Stressing that accountability must be fixed at every level, the Court asked the Deputy Solicitor General of India and the State Government Pleader to submit a comprehensive response at the next hearing.
(With LiveLaw inputs)