India Rejects Australian Court’s Ruling on Former High Commissioner’s Compensation
Image Source: The Indian Express
India has rebuffed a recent Australian court ruling that ordered former Indian High Commissioner Navdeep Singh Suri to pay compensation to a domestic employee who accused him of unfair working conditions. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) asserted on Thursday that Australian authorities lack the jurisdiction to adjudicate on matters involving India-based service staff of its high commission. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi urged Canberra to honor its obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
The Australian federal court had instructed Suri to pay approximately 136,000 Australian dollars plus interest to Seema Sherghill, who alleged she endured exploitative working conditions, including a seven-day workweek of 17.5 hours per day. Bagchi stated that Sherghill had voluntarily left her post in May 2016, a day before her scheduled return to India, holding an official passport and an Australian diplomatic visa.
India contends that Sherghill’s accusations are motivated by a desire to remain in Australia permanently. Bagchi emphasized that India has consistently requested Australian authorities to locate and repatriate Sherghill, who acquired Australian citizenship in 2021. The MEA is now addressing the matter with Australian authorities, emphasizing the need for upholding diplomatic immunities and privileges under the Vienna Convention.
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