Rajasthan HC issues notice to Saudi Arabian embassy over delay in repatriating youth’s mortal remains
Jaipur, Dec 12 (LatestNewsX) – The Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur has notified the Saudi Arabian government of its failure to send back the body of a young man from Rajasthan, who passed away in Saudi Arabia on November 13. The court has asked the Saudi Embassy in New Delhi to explain why the remains have not been returned after 28 days, a delay that has left the victim’s family heart‑broken.
The matter was brought to the court by a petition filed by the deceased’s mother, Teeju Bai, and supported by legal counsel Sushil Vishnoi and Sunil Purohit. Justice Nupur Bhati noted that invoking a foreign government in a humanitarian case is uncommon, underscoring the seriousness of the order.
A hearing is set for December 17, when officials from both Saudi Arabia and India are expected to present their viewpoints.
Ramesh Kumar Meghwal, who lived in Meghwalon Ki Dhani in Gida tehsil, died under unclear conditions in Saudi Arabia. When his body was not repatriated promptly, former Rajasthan Seeds Corporation Director Charmesh Sharma, who has a track record of helping Indian citizens abroad, submitted complaints to the President’s Secretariat, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Ministry of External Affairs. The Secretariat instructed the MEA to act and the ministry responded to Sharma.
Despite these efforts, the body remained unreturned after almost a month. The family, assisted by Sharma’s legal services, escalated the issue to the High Court. In addition to directing the Saudi Embassy, the court also sent notices to the Government of India – through Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the Joint Secretary (Gulf Countries), the MEA, and the Home Secretary of Rajasthan.
Advocate Sushil Vishnoi represented the petitioner before the court, while ASG Bharat Vyas appeared for the Indian government. Prior to the court action, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia had replied to a separate petition filed on November 25, stating that investigations were still ongoing. They mentioned that the body would only be released after a forensic report and an NOC could be issued following receipt of the remains. On December 3, the Riyadh embassy issued a death certificate listing suicide as the cause of death, but it also informed the family that without the Saudi police’s medical report, they could not facilitate the return of the body.
The court’s notice marks a significant step, as it formally addresses a foreign government over a humanitarian matter.
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