A Pakistani woman, Nikita Devi, has made a peculiar appeal to the Madhya Pradesh High Court in Indore, seeking the deportation of her husband, Vikram Kumar Nagdev, back to Pakistan to prevent him from allegedly marrying another woman. Nikita, a resident of Karachi, Pakistan, alleges that Vikram, who resides in Indore on a long-term visa, has abandoned her and is planning to illegally marry another woman in March 2026.
The couple, both Pakistani citizens, married on January 26, 2020, in the Sindh province of Pakistan. According to Nikita, problems arose after she came to India with Vikram. She claims that during the COVID-19 lockdown, Vikram pressured her to return to Pakistan. Once she was back in Karachi, she allegedly discovered his plans to marry another woman in Delhi.
Nikita's plea is filed under Article 226 of the Indian Constitution, which empowers High Courts to issue orders regarding fundamental and legal rights. Her lawyer stated that the petition aims to prevent Vikram from exploiting legal complications to remarry and to ensure his deportation to Pakistan. The Indore bench of the High Court is expected to hear the petition next week.
Vikram, however, has refuted Nikita's accusations. He claims that Nikita returned to Pakistan willingly and has refused to come back to India. He also alleges that Nikita is not responding to divorce notices and is resorting to blackmail. Vikram claims that Nikita insisted on returning to Pakistan shortly after their wedding and that he dropped her off at the Attari border in Amritsar during the COVID-19 lockdown. He and his family say they have tried to bring her back, but she does not want to return.
Prior to approaching the High Court, Nikita reportedly sent notices to various government departments seeking her husband's deportation, but received no response. She also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for intervention. A video message circulated on social media showed Nikita pleading for justice and alleging betrayal by her husband.
The case has drawn attention from women's groups and cross-border legal bodies. Earlier attempts at mediation, including the Sindhi Panch Mediation and Legal Counsel Centre authorized by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, have been unsuccessful. The Centre noted that because neither spouse is an Indian citizen, the issue falls under Pakistan's jurisdiction and recommended Vikram's deportation. The Indore Social Panchayat also advised deportation in May 2025.
The legal proceedings and allegations have sparked debate regarding the rights and protections available to women in cross-border marriages. The court's decision could set a precedent for similar cases involving marital disputes between individuals of different nationalities. The case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by individuals in cross-border marriages, particularly when disputes arise.
