The Rajasthan High Court has stepped in to address the anguish of a grieving mother waiting for her son’s mortal remains, issuing a notice to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in New Delhi on Thursday. The Court is seeking an explanation regarding the delay in repatriating the body of Ramesh Meghwal, a resident of Balotara district, who died in Riyadh last month under circumstances described as suspicious.
Justice Nupur Bhati of the High Court’s Jodhpur bench passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Teju Bai, the deceased’s mother. The plea highlighted the family’s distress over the prolonged wait to perform the last rites of Meghwal, who passed away on November 13.
Taking a serious view of the matter, the Court deemed it necessary to seek responses from high-ranking officials to expedite the process. Notices have been issued to the Centre through Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)—specifically the Joint Secretary in charge of Gulf countries—and the Consular Services Management System of the MEA. Additionally, the Rajasthan government has been put on notice through its Home Secretary.
During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Bharat Vyas represented the central government. Referencing an email received from Saudi Arabian authorities, the ASG informed the bench that preliminary information suggests Meghwal committed suicide. He further submitted that the police in Riyadh are currently conducting an investigation into the matter, which has contributed to the procedural delay.
ASG Vyas assured the Court that Indian authorities are actively pursuing the issue with their counterparts in Saudi Arabia to ensure the mortal remains are brought back to India at the earliest possible date.
Despite the assurances provided by the Additional Solicitor General, Justice Bhati considered it appropriate “in the interest of justice” to formally issue notices to the Saudi Embassy and relevant Indian foreign policy officials. The move is seen as a judicial push to cut through diplomatic red tape and alleviate the suffering of the bereaved family.
The death of Ramesh Meghwal had previously garnered attention when Charmesha Sharma, the former director of the Rajasthan Seed Corporation, intervened in the matter. Sharma filed a petition with the President’s Secretariat on November 25 seeking urgent action.
In response to Sharma’s plea, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia sent an official reply on November 26, confirming that the local Saudi police were investigating the death, which had stalled the immediate release of the body. The High Court’s latest order now places the matter under judicial scrutiny, compelling a formal response from diplomatic channels.
