New Delhi

A man has approached the Delhi High Court seeking constitutional compensation of ₹100 crore over the death of his wife, an Indian citizen who lost her life during civil unrest in Nepal in September 2025 while staying at a five-star hotel in Kathmandu.

A writ petition has been filed by Rambir Singh Gola, seeking compensation from the Government of India, concerned constitutional authorities, and the management of the hotel, alleging that the death of his wife, Late Smt. Rajesh Gola, was “avoidable and preventable”.

The petition has been moved through advocate Abhishek Choudhary.

According to the plea, the couple had travelled to Nepal on September 7, 2025, on a religious pilgrimage to the Pashupatinath Temple and were staying at a reputed luxury hotel in Kathmandu. As violence broke out in the city during what has been referred to as the “Gen Z Protest”, the hotel management allegedly assured guests that the situation was under control and discouraged them from checking out.

The petitioner has claimed that he and his wife were advised to shift to a higher floor on assurances of enhanced security, which later proved ineffective.

On the night of September 9, the petition alleges that a mob entered the hotel premises and set parts of the building on fire. It is claimed that no fire alarms were activated, evacuation procedures were not followed, and hotel staff abandoned the premises, leaving guests trapped inside.

The plea further alleges that repeated distress calls were made to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and the Ministry of External Affairs, but no consular assistance or rescue coordination was provided.

With smoke spreading and exits allegedly blocked, the petitioner and his wife attempted to escape using makeshift ropes, during which Rajesh Gola fell from the fourth floor and sustained critical injuries.

The petition alleges that she was denied timely medical treatment, was wrongly declared dead at a local hospital, and left unattended in a mortuary. It states that the Government of Nepal has recorded the incident as a case of homicide.

The plea notes that Rajesh Gola was the only Indian national to have died during the unrest in Nepal and questions the duty of care of hospitality establishments as well as the constitutional obligation of the Indian State towards citizens abroad.

It is claimed that despite a legal notice issued on September 22, 2025, no inquiry or compensation has been initiated so far.

The petition raises issues regarding the applicability of Article 21 of the Constitution to Indian citizens outside the country and whether failure of consular protection amounts to a violation of the right to life.

READ MORE: Zahoor Lone-led Team India wins bronze in world snow sculpting championship

The petitioner has sought a court-monitored judicial inquiry, fixing of responsibility on officials and institutions found at fault, disciplinary action, and systemic reforms to ensure protection of Indian citizens during overseas emergencies.