SC compares Vanuatu to Nithyananda's 'Kailasa': Is it a 'real' nation, how to visit, things to do and their 'golden passport' scheme

On February 17, 2026, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria sparked a viral discussion after an accused individual in a cheating case claimed to be a citizen of Vanuatu. During the hearing, Justice Mehta remarked in a lighter vein, "There is no country like that... this country is like Kailasa," referencing the self-proclaimed micronation of 'godman' Nithyananda.

Vanuatu is a 'legitimate', sovereign Republic located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is a double chain of 13 principal and many smaller volcanic and coral islands, situated about 800 kilometers west of Fiji and 1,800 kilometers east of Australia. The nation’s capital, Port Vila, is located on the island of Éfaté and serves as the commercial hub of the country. Known for its rugged mountains, high plateaus, and active volcanoes like Mount Yasur on Tanna Island, Vanuatu is a member of the United Nations and the Commonwealth.

History of Vanuatu 'Pandemonium'

The history of Vanuatu is marked by a unique and often "absurd" colonial arrangement. In 1906, the United Kingdom and France agreed to administer the islands jointly, calling it the British-French Condominium. This system created dual police forces, two legal systems, and even separate currencies, leading locals to jokingly refer to it as the "Pandemonium". Full sovereignty was finally granted on July 30, 1980, after a brief and unconventional conflict known as the "Coconut War". The name "Vanuatu" translates to "Our Land Forever" in many indigenous Melanesian languages.

Top Things to Do in Vanuatu

For travelers, Vanuatu is a tropical paradise offering experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else.

• Mount Yasur: One of the world's most accessible active volcanoes, where visitors can stand on the rim and watch lava explosions.
• Blue Holes: Espiritu Santo is famous for its "Blue Holes"—natural jungle watering holes with incredibly clear, sapphire-colored water.
• Naghol Land Diving: On Pentecost Island, men participate in a traditional ritual by jumping from tall wooden towers with only vines tied to their ankles.
• Wreck Diving: Divers from around the world visit the SS President Coolidge, a luxury liner turned troopship that sank during WWII.

Visa Process for Indians and How to Get There

Indian citizens can currently visit Vanuatu with ease as the nation offers Visa on Arrival for tourism purposes. This visa typically allows for a stay of up to 30 to 120 days, provided travelers have a valid passport (minimum six months validity), a return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. Reaching Vanuatu from India usually requires multiple stops, typically connecting through Sydney, Brisbane, or Auckland, followed by a short flight to Port Vila via Air Vanuatu or other regional carriers.

Supreme Court 'Vanuatu' Controversy: ‘Golden Passports’ and Comparisons to Kailasa

The Supreme Court’s comparison of Vanuatu to Kailasa—the non-existent nation claimed by self-proclaimed godman Nithyananda— has brought the island nation to the spotlight again. The South Pacific island made headlines regarding the controversies surrounding Vanuatu's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program. The nation has faced international criticism for its "Golden Passport" scheme, which allows foreigners to obtain citizenship for a minimum investment of approximately $130,000 USD. Critics argue that the program has been abused by fugitives seeking to evade law enforcement, leading the European Union and the UK to recently suspend visa-free travel for Vanuatu citizens.

(With PTI inputs)