New Delhi: Ten Indians who went to Russia have lost their lives fighting the war against Ukraine, the Central government told the Supreme Court on Friday.
Most of them had voluntary contracts, taking part in the war as part of Russian forces.
The top court was hearing a writ petition filed by family members of 26 Indians, claiming that the men were tricked and coerced into fighting the war after travelling to Russia in search of jobs.
A bench consisting of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justices Vipul Pancholi and Joymalya Bagchi had sought the response of the government in the matter.
As per Additional Solicitor General Aiswharya Bhati’s submission, out of the 26 individuals referred to in the petition, 10 had unfortunately died.
She informed the Supreme Court that the External Affairs Ministry was in contact with the families of these persons and pursuing a multipronged procedure to address the matter.
According to the Centre, several of these individuals entered the war voluntarily, but in some instances, agents may have misled them.
The CJI said that the matter requires tactful handling. ASG Bhati then submitted that from among the 215 Indians who went to Russia, families of 26 had approached the court.
Refuting the claim of the lawyer representing the petitioners, the ASG saifd that the External Affairs Ministry has been in regular contact with the families.
“They have been communicating with us to bring back the mortal remains, they said we don’t have the capacity. Yesterday, they told us, you keep the mortal remains, we are going to court. This is the behaviour. There are some difficulties, there are human angles. They have to cooperate with us, we are there to support every Indian citizen who needs support,” ASG Bhati told the court.
CJI Kant said that finding mortal remains from a war zone may be a near impossibility.
“We have arranged mortal remains, and the 26th petitioner now says you keep it for 3 months,” the ASG said.
“Unauthorised persons are helping us than the MEA itself… at least they should be directed to collect our DNA samples,” the petitioners’ lawyer countered.
The Supreme Court directed the External Affairs Ministry to submit a detailed status report on the steps taken to address the matter.
