U.S. Secret Service Blocks Attempt to Serve Summons on NSA Ajit Doval During Washington Visit
During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, D.C., on February 12-13, 2025, an attempt to serve a legal summons to India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, was thwarted by the U.S. Secret Service. The summons was part of a civil lawsuit filed by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S.-based Khalistani separatist leader. However, a U.S. court has since ruled that the summons was not successfully delivered, aligning with India’s position on the matter.
Background of the Lawsuit
In September 2024, Pannun filed a civil lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against Doval and other Indian officials. The suit alleged involvement in a purported assassination plot targeting Pannun on American soil. The court issued summonses to the defendants, prompting Pannun’s legal team to attempt service during Doval’s visit to Washington in February 2025.
Attempts to Serve the Summons
Pannun’s legal team employed two process servers and an investigator to serve the summons to Doval at Blair House, the U.S. President’s guest residence where the Indian delegation was staying. The first attempt occurred on the evening of February 12, shortly after Prime Minister Modi’s arrival. Process server Ambiko Wallace reported encountering heavy security, including barricades and a checkpoint manned by Secret Service agents. Despite presenting the court order permitting service, Wallace was denied access and instructed to leave. The agents refused to provide their names or allow Wallace to speak with a supervisor, leading him to fear arrest if he persisted.
A second attempt was made the following day by process server Wayne Engram during a scheduled meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy. Engram was similarly stopped at the checkpoint by Secret Service agents who refused to accept the summons. When Engram suggested placing the envelope on the ground—a standard method of service—the agents threatened him with arrest. Consequently, Engram left the summons at a nearby Starbucks, a move later deemed insufficient by the court.
Court’s Ruling
In response to a letter from Pannun’s lawyer detailing these events, U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla reviewed the case and concluded that service was not completed as required. The judge noted that the complaint was not delivered to a member of the hotel management, staff, or any officers or agents providing security for Doval, as mandated by the court’s order.
This ruling corroborates the Indian government’s stance that Doval was not served the summons during his U.S. visit. India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had previously described the allegations as unwarranted and unsubstantiated.
Implications and Reactions
The court’s decision highlights the complexities involved in serving legal documents to high-ranking foreign officials under protective security. It also underscores the challenges faced by individuals seeking legal recourse against international figures. The U.S. Secret Service’s actions reflect standard protocol in safeguarding visiting dignitaries, especially those staying at Blair House, which is under stringent security measures.
Pannun’s legal team may need to explore alternative methods for serving the summons, considering the court’s emphasis on adhering to proper procedures. This development also brings attention to the broader geopolitical tensions and legal battles involving separatist movements and international diplomacy.
Conclusion
The unsuccessful attempts to serve a summons on NSA Ajit Doval during his visit to Washington, D.C., and the subsequent court ruling, underscore the intricate interplay between legal processes and diplomatic security protocols. As this case unfolds, it may set precedents for how legal actions involving foreign officials are handled in jurisdictions outside their home countries.
