The directions came while hearing a petition filed by family members of those who allegedly died or went missing after being recruited to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
File image. | Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP The Supreme Court on Friday (July 31, 2026) directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to appoint a nodal officer to facilitate DNA testing of the mortal remains of Indian nationals killed on the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war, ensuring families can claim them for last rites.
A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asked the Ministry to forward the details of the nodal officer to the family members of the deceased once the appointment is made.
The court was hearing a petition filed by families alleging their kin were victims of illegal overseas recruitment, trafficking, and exploitation.
According to the petitioners, the youths were lured by recruiters with promises of high-paying jobs, only to have their passports seized and be pushed into the war zone.
‘Duped by agent, 15 Indians pinned down in Ukraine-Russia war zone’ The petitioners sought the whereabouts of Indian nationals believed to be dead or missing, urging the court to intervene for the repatriation of bodies and the payment of monetary compensation by Russian authorities.
Compensation claims The court on Friday (July 31) ruled that complete records for filing compensation claims with Russian authorities must be provided to the families, who can submit their claims through the Ministry.
The Bench added that families should receive legal aid for these filings, along with DNA verification certificates and translated versions of any Russian documents.
The court clarified that compensation claims should not become a ground for delaying the handing over of mortal remains or the performance of funeral rituals.
SC steps in on plea of Indians ‘stuck’ in Russia, ‘forced’ into war with Ukraine Diplomatic efforts The Union government informed the court that nearly 220 Indians had joined the Russian Armed Forces during the conflict, with 139 released from contractual agreements.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, appearing for the Centre, stated that the government successfully negotiated with Russian authorities for the discharge of Indian nationals.
Out of the 51 Indians died in the battleground, the remains of 29 individuals have been brought back to India, she added.
The petitioners also highlighted the necessity of identifying and prosecuting illegal overseas recruitment rackets that exploit vulnerable citizens with false promises of foreign employment.
