Supreme Court Orders DNA Tests for Indians Killed in Russian Army
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Supreme Court has mandated DNA testing of mortal remains of 20 Indians killed while serving in the Russian Army before repatriation. It also directed the MEA to appoint a nodal officer to assist families in claiming compensation from Russian authorities. This comes amid confirmed deaths and missing cases of Indian nationals in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Background
Several Indians were reportedly recruited to serve in the Russian Army, with many dying or going missing in the conflict with Ukraine. The court's intervention follows concerns from families about identification of bodies and compensation.
Key facts
The Supreme Court ordered DNA testing of mortal remains of 20 Indians to be brought back from Russia.
The court directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to appoint a nodal officer for compensation claims.
The Centre informed the court that 51 deaths have been confirmed among 80 Indians who joined the Russian Army.
Bodies of 29 deceased have been brought back, while 2 were cremated in Russia; 20 bodies are yet to be returned.
Five Indians are confirmed missing by the Russian side, while 24 others' whereabouts are unknown.
The bench, headed by CJI Surya Kant, ordered DNA tests for identification before handing over bodies to families.
Petitioners' lawyer alleged coffins contained flesh and bones, but the Centre disputed this, saying the Indian Embassy facilitated DNA tests.
The Russian Deputy Defence Minister informed the Indian Ambassador that bodies are in conflict areas, hampering recovery.
Prelims pointers
- Supreme Court of India
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- DNA testing
- Russia-Ukraine conflict
- CJI Surya Kant
Mains angles
- GS2: Role of judiciary in protecting citizens' rights abroad
- GS2: Government's responsibility towards Indian diaspora in conflict zones
- GS2: India-Russia bilateral relations and consular access
- GS3: Human rights and humanitarian concerns in armed conflicts