Kriti Agrawal
The Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) told the Delhi High Court that the mortal remains of a Hindu man who was wrongfully buried in Saudi Arabia arrived in India this morning.
Vishnu Sharma, Director, CPV Division MEA, entered the Court proceedings and informed the Court that the deceased’s mortal remains arrived in India this morning and were handed over to the family, and that the mortal remains are currently being transported to Una (Himachal Pradesh), the deceased’s native place.
A bench led by Justice Prathiba M Singh took note of the submission of MEA officials, praised the department’s efforts, and said that it is a great relief for the Court as well. The Court also stated that “Our gratitude be expressed to the Saudi Authorities.”
The Counsel for Petitioner Subhash Chandran also appeared from the hospital and expressed gratitude to the Court and the authorities concerned for their efforts.
Previously, the MEA told the Delhi High Court that legal proceedings had been initiated in Saudi Arabia and that the burial site had been identified.
It was also revealed that Indian officials are in contact with Saudi authorities and are making every effort.
The Court also named Farukh Khan as an Amicus Curiae in the case.
Earlier, MEA said that the Indian mission in Saudi Arabia had not granted permission for local burial because the death certificate was translated by the employer, not the Indian mission.
Burial took place in a non-Muslim cemetery. MEA officials also told the Court that they had obtained compensation from the employer in the amount of 4.65 lakh, and that the cheque would be sent to the family.
According to the petition, the woman’s husband, Sanjeev Kumar, an Indian resident, died on January 24 at his workplace in Saudi Arabia. Sanjeev Kumar, who had served in Saudi Arabia for 23 years, died as a result of diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac arrest, and his mortal remains were held at the Baesh General Hospital in Jizan, Saudi Arabia.