Telangana HC orders Centre and state to locate Hyderabad student missing 45 days in Finland

The Telangana High Court has directed the Union government and Telangana state government to locate Hyderabad-based engineering student Gujja Manideep Reddy, missing in Finland for 45 days. Reddy enrolled at Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT) in 2025 for engineering studies but disappeared without contact with family. The High Court's intervention signals judicial concern over protecting Indian citizens abroad and strengthening consular assistance mechanisms. Background: Indian students increasingly pursue higher education in European universities; Finland's reputation for engineering education attracts significant Indian enrollment. Previous cases of Indian students facing issues abroad included exploitation, visa complications, financial crises, and mental health emergencies. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) maintains consular networks in major countries for citizen assistance; however, coordination gaps sometimes occur. Constitutional angle: Fundamental right to life (Article 21) extends to Indian citizens abroad; government's duty under Article 51 (conduct of international relations) includes citizen protection. Key issues: Whether consular officials followed up adequately, communication lapses between family and university, local police coordination, and repatriation procedures. Exam angle: Questions on: consular affairs, citizen protection mechanisms abroad, MEA's role, international cooperation in citizen welfare, judicial intervention in executive matters. Connection: Federalism angle (Centre-state coordination), international law, human rights protection mechanisms.