Don't Give Consent For Burial Of Indian Citizen's Dead Body Stuck In Russia; Resolve Issue At Diplomatic Level: Rajasthan HC To Centre

The Rajasthan High Court on Monday asked the Union Of India not to give its permission for the burial of mortal remains of an Indian Citizen which are lying in Russia unattended for the last four months.

The Bench of Justice Dinesh Mehta also directed the Foreign Secretary to explore ways to resolve the issue at a diplomatic level, by requesting the External Affairs Minister, Government of India to intervene and use his good offices.

Essentially, the Court is dealing with the plea of the petitioners (Asha, Urvashi, and Piyush Kumar) who have approached the High Court with a grievance that mortal remain of their husband/father late Hitendra Kumar Garasiya, who passed away in some accident in Russia are lying in Russia unattended for last four months.

On December 15, 2021, the High Court had issued a notice to the Russian Embassy/Government of the Russian Federation on the plea of the wife and children, however, no one appeared on behalf of them.

Read more about the case here: [Indian Citizen's Dead Body Stuck In Russia] "Unprecedented Situation": Rajasthan High Court Issues Notice To Russian Govt

On Monday, the counsel for the petitioner informed the Court that as per the instruction available to him, unless the Indian Embassy in Russia gives consent for the burial of mortal remains of late Hitendra Kumar Garasiya, his body would not be buried.

In view of the aforesaid, the Court directed the Union of India not to give consent for such purpose till the next date, else petitioner's rights to perform obsequious rites of their husband/father would be frustrated.

The Court has now requested the Foreign ministry to resolve the dispute at their end and has listed the matter for further hearing on January 4, 2022.

Case title - Asha and others v. Union Of India and others.

Click Here To Download/Read Order