Plea In Bombay High Court Seeks Return Of Mortal Remains Of Indian Seafarer Killed In Iranian Missile Strike
Narsi Benwal
4 April 2026 1:20 PM IST
A writ petition has been filed in the Bombay High Court seeking the return of the mortal remains of an Indian seafarer, who died in Oman coast due to an Iranian missile strike.
The petition filed by Amratlal Goklal Solanki claims that their son Dixit Solanki was serving as an Oiler in the Engine Room aboard the vessel MKD, Vyom.
The petition states that they were informed on March 1 by Captain Sadler Rebeiro, the operations manager of the vessel that Solanki sustained injuries due to an Iranian missile strike. The family was further informed that their son was missing due to a hole on the shipside.
"It was informed that except our son all other crew members were rescued but our son was left behind on the ship, still unconscious. Despite follow-ups there was no further update, and we wrote an official communication to the shipping company seeking immediate intervention in the matter. Another email was sent by Captain Rebeiro Sadler stating that the missing person (Solanki) has now been declared as deceased," the plea states.
Further, on March 3, it was informed to the family that the vessel was unmanned and being towed towards Khor/Fakkan/Fujairah and that nobody could board the vessel for safety reasons.
The petitioners, therefore, alleged "inaction" on part of the authorities in repatriating the remains of their son of the the petitioner.
"The petitioners have a right to receive the mortal remains of the deceased family member and perform rites guaranteed underArticle 21 of the Constitution of India," the plea underlines. The plea further argues that the authorities are under a legal obligation to ensure speedy repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased in view ofArticle 21 of the Constitution of India read with the provisions of the Merchant Navy Act, 2025 and the rules framed thereunder.
The petition is likely to be heard by a division bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad in due course.