Latest news with #PravasiLegalCell
Daily Tribune
12-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Repatriated Indian Passes Away
TDT | Manama Maniprasad Adkadkam, the former Bahrain resident whose repatriation last year drew island-wide community support, passed away yesterday in Kerala, India. Hailing from Kasargod, he had been suffering from multiple severe health conditions, including cardiac failure, renal dysfunction, and acute gout, when he was rescued from a legal and medical deadlock in Bahrain. His return to India in November last year had been hailed as a humanitarian success, made possible through a coordinated campaign of legal aid, diplomatic intervention, and grassroots mobilisation. Bahrain United Maniprasad's case was championed by the Pravasi Legal Cell (PLC) Bahrain Chapter with the legal guidance of Advocate Tariq Alown. T, which resulted in the lifting of three travel bans, including one imposed by a Kerala court, after intense legal proceedings in Bahrain. His Excellency Vinod K. Jacob, Ambassador of India to Bahrain, and officials at the Indian Embassy had also lent their support, working in tandem with civil society organisations to bring the case to a compassionate resolution.
Daily Tribune
10-06-2025
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain's Distracted Driving Crisis: Court Links Phone Use to Fatal Accident, Orders Compensation
• Victim was crossing road • Driver distracted by phone • Court orders compensation for family You Know What: In Bahrain, using a mobile phone while driving is punishable by fines or suspension under Article 39 of the Traffic Law, but enforcement is limited and violations remain common, especially in residential zones. Mahir Haneef TDT | Manama An Indian expatriate who was struck and killed while crossing a street in Nuwaidrat has become a painful reminder of Bahrain's ongoing struggle with distracted driving. A court in Bahrain has confirmed that the driver who caused the fatal accident was using his mobile phone at the time of the collision. The incident took place on October 2, 2023. Mani V.V., 50, was crossing Road 4303 near an intersection when he was hit by a vehicle driven by a Bahraini national. He died three days later, on October 5 th, from head injuries. His family, including mother Santha V.V. and siblings Sasi, Ramesan, and Mini, filed a civil case seeking compensation. Driver distracted According to the cour'ts ruling, the driver had been using his phone while approaching the intersection and failed to notice the pedestrian in time. The court found him guilty of negligence and confirmed that his actions had directly caused Mani's death. The court cited the criminal case in relation to the incident, in which the driver was convicted and sentenced to six months in prison with licence suspension. He was later granted a pardon but the civil case proceeded independently. Despite the driver's release, the court held both him and his insurance company jointly liable for damages. Public concern Mani's death and the court's findings have stirred renewed concern about the widespread use of mobile phones by drivers in Bahrain. Although Article 39 of the Traffic Law bans hand-held phone use while driving, violations are common. On most days, drivers can be seen texting or taking calls even near schools, roundabouts, and residential zones, with little to no visible deterrent. The pattern of distracted driving has become a routine part of road behaviour, often overlooked unless it leads to a tragedy. This case stands out as one of the few where the courts have clearly linked such behaviour to a fatal outcome. Compensation ordered The court awarded BD 4,000 to Mani's mother and BD 500 each to his three siblings, acknowledging the emotional and moral damage caused by the loss. Although the family could not prove continuous financial support, the ruling recognised their grief and the lost hope of future care. In a letter shared with Indian authorities, the family expressed gratitude to lawyer Bushra Mayoof and the Pravasi Legal Cell for reviving a case that was initially dismissed. They also thanked the Indian Embassy and Kerala's Chief Minister for diplomatic and moral support during the ordeal. Systemic issue The case is significant not only for its compensation ruling but also for its documentation of distracted driving as the confirmed cause of death, which is rare in Bahrain's courts. Legal observers say this highlights how casual recklessness on the roads, especially involving mobile phone use, continues to pose risks to pedestrian safety and public life. It also signals a slow but steady move towards greater legal accountability.
Daily Tribune
04-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
PLC Bahrain Chapter celebrates third anniversary with grandeur
The Pravasi Legal Cell (PLC) Bahrain Chapter marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its third anniversary on April 30, 2025. The event was held at the KIMS Health Auditorium in Umm Al Hassam, Bahrain, and was graced by the presence of esteemed diplomats, government officials, philanthropists, and community leaders. The celebration highlighted PLC's unwavering commitment to supporting expatriate welfare and legal awareness in the Kingdom of Bahrain. In recognition of valuable partnerships, PLC felicitated several key organizations including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Expat Protection Centre under LMRA, Government Hospitals, the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) Bahrain, and KIMS Hospital, for their continued support and collaboration. Welcome address The evening commenced with a warm welcome address by PLC General Secretary Dr. Rithin Raj, setting the tone for the event. This was followed by a presidential address delivered by Mr. Sudheer Thirunilath, the Global PRO and President of Pravasi Legal Cell Bahrain. Gratitude Mr. Thirunilath expressed heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders for their dedicated support to the mission of PLC. A key highlight of the event was the official launch of the third edition of PLC's newsletter, The Bridge, which showcases the organization's ongoing initiatives, success stories, and community engagements. The celebration served not only as a reflection of PLC's impactful journey over the past three years but also as a reaffirmation of its continued commitment to legal empowerment and social justice for expatriates in Bahrain.
Arab Times
26-04-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Stranded Indian Returns Home After 40 Years in Bahrain
MANAMA, April 26: After more than 40 years of being stranded in the Middle East, an Indian man will finally reunite with his family in Kerala, ending a long and heartbreaking journey of survival and resilience. Seventy-four-year-old Gopalan Chandran, an expatriate from India, had been stuck in Bahrain for over four decades after moving there in search of better job opportunities. A native of a small village near Powdikonam in Trivandrum, Kerala, Gopalan had arrived in Bahrain on August 16, 1983, full of hope and ambition to support his family back home. Like many migrant workers, he chased the dream of a better life, but destiny had other plans. Shortly after his arrival, his employer passed away unexpectedly, and Gopalan lost his passport. Left without documentation, he found himself trapped in Bahrain's immigration system, living in a state of legal limbo for decades. For years, Gopalan survived quietly on the margins of society until his plight caught the attention of the Pravasi Legal Cell (PLC)—an NGO comprising retired judges, lawyers, and journalists who advocate for Indians facing injustice both at home and abroad. Sudheer Thirunilath, President of PLC's Bahrain Chapter, along with his team, worked tirelessly with the Embassy of India in Bahrain and the Kingdom's Immigration Department to navigate the complex bureaucracy and arrange Gopalan's return. "Gopalan finally returns home to see his 95-year-old mother, who never gave up hope of seeing her son again. He boarded his flight this morning with no belongings—only memories, tears, and the dream of reuniting with his family. This is more than just a man going home; it's a testament to humanity, justice, and the power of relentless compassion. It's a beacon of hope for countless unheard migrants. Welcome home, Gopalan. You were never forgotten," PLC shared in a heartfelt Facebook post.
Gulf News
26-04-2025
- General
- Gulf News
Indian man stranded in Bahrain for 42 years, finally returns home
Dubai: After 42 years stranded in Bahrain, Gopalan Chandran, an Indian man from Kerala, is finally set to reunite with his family. His long-awaited return became possible thanks to the intervention of the Pravasi Legal Cell (PLC), a Delhi-based NGO that advocates for the rights of Indians facing injustice abroad. Chandran arrived in Bahrain in 1983, hoping to secure a better job to support his family in Kerala. However, shortly after his arrival, tragedy struck when his employer passed away, and his passport was lost. Left undocumented, he became stranded in Bahrain for over four decades. Despite his difficult situation, Chandran managed to evade detection until 2020, when he was detained by Bahrain police following a dispute with another expatriate from Kerala. PLC steps in Chandran's story gained widespread attention when it was featured on a Malayalam television program in 2020. Through this broadcast, Chandran learned that his mother was still alive, reigniting his desire to return home. The Pravasi Legal Cell, along with well-wishers, worked tirelessly to gather the necessary documents and help Chandran navigate the legal procedures needed for his return to India. The organisation collaborated with the Indian Embassy and Bahrain's Immigration Department to overcome obstacles and reunite Chandran with his family. In a Facebook post, the Pravasi Legal Cell shared how they worked relentlessly to bring his story to light, providing shelter, tracing his long-lost relatives, and coordinating with authorities to ensure his safe return. Long-awaited homecoming After decades of hardship, Chandran's return to India was finally secured. The 64-year-old boarded a flight to Kerala, where he was reunited with his 95-year-old mother, whom he had not seen in over four decades. Tragically, his father had passed away in 1985, just two years after Chandran left for Bahrain. Life of lost time Despite the emotional joy of returning home, Chandran expressed a deep sense of loss and uncertainty. "I've returned empty-handed. Even my air ticket was arranged by the embassy," he shared. "The future is bleak, and health is not on my side," Gopalan, who remains a bachelor, told The Indian Express. "The world I left behind has changed, and if I go out, I will get lost." Reflecting on his bachelor status, Chandran noted the passage of time during his absence. "Two generations have been born in my family, yet my life remains unchanged," he added, feeling disconnected from the life he once knew. Community support The Pravasi Legal Cell's efforts were crucial in navigating the complex legal processes that made Chandran's return possible. The NGO described his story as one of perseverance, loss, and compassion, highlighting the tireless work of the team and the support of Bahrain's authorities. 'Gopalan's return is a symbol of hope for countless migrants whose stories often go unheard,' the NGO said in a statement. 'His journey from despair to dignity is a testament to the power of community support and relentless humanitarian effort.' Looking forward Chandran now lives with his elder brother Mohanan's family in Kerala. While he has returned to the land he left behind, the emotional and physical toll of 42 years of separation is undeniable. Despite the challenges, he hopes to find peace and rebuild connections in a world that has changed significantly during his absence.
