The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Centre and other authorities on a plea filed by a widow seeking assistance to bring back the mortal remains of her son, who died in Dubai in December last year so that she can perform his last rites.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta took up the matter and posted it for further hearing on March 16.
Mother Says She Learned of Death Through Embassy Call
Appearing for the petitioner, counsel told the court that the woman’s son had travelled to Dubai to work as a labourer and that she was informed of his death by the Indian embassy. The mother, who is a widow, has no relatives or contacts in Dubai who could help with the repatriation of the body.
The bench asked whether the family knew anyone in Dubai who could facilitate bringing the remains back, to which the counsel replied in the negative.
Court Questions Lack of Details on Death
During the hearing, the judges noted that the plea did not contain specific details about the death.
“You have not given any details as to when did the death happen. How did he die? What happened there? You have just mentioned that there was a phone call on February 4 and you came to know,” the bench observed.
The petitioner’s counsel clarified that the death had occurred on December 4 last year, but the mother received information only on February 4 through a phone call. The counsel also stated that the family had not been given any further details about the cause or circumstances of death.
When the court asked how the man had died, the counsel submitted that the petitioner had no information beyond the embassy’s communication.
Notice Issued; Matter Listed for March 16
Taking note of the submissions, the bench issued notice to the Centre and other concerned authorities seeking their response on the plea, which requests assistance in bringing the mortal remains to India so the mother can perform the last rites.
The case will now be heard on March 16.
