Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Supreme Court Orders Centre to Appoint Nodal Officer for Victims
The Supreme Court in India said the government must set up a special officer in the foreign ministry to help families of Indians who went to fight in the Russia‑Ukraine war.
The officer will talk to families, help match DNA to find bodies, and make sure the bodies are returned quickly.
The court also told the ministry to give families information about how to claim money from Russia and to share updates in local languages.
It asked a legal aid agency to help families get the bodies and get paid.
The court said many Indians were tricked by travel agents and that over 200 people from Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab went to Russia, with 51 dying and 20 coming back to India.
Supreme Court directed Centre to appoint a nodal officer in MEA to coordinate with families of Indians killed, missing or injured in the Russia‑Ukraine war.
Court ordered MEA to facilitate DNA matching and ensure mortal remains are handed over to families promptly.
Court instructed MEA to provide compensation claim details and share updates in vernacular languages.
National Legal Services Authority and state legal services were directed to assist families in securing remains and pursuing compensation.
Court noted that over 200 Indians, mainly from Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab, were recruited by travel agents and many have died or are missing.
- Who
- Supreme Court bench (Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi, V. Mohana)
- What
- Directed Centre to appoint a nodal officer in the Ministry of External Affairs and provide coordinated support to families of Indians affected by the Russia‑Ukraine war
- When
- July 31, 2026
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To ensure timely assistance, DNA matching, return of remains, compensation, and coordinated support for families
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Directive
- Appoint MEA nodal officer for war victims
- Affected Indians
- 219 fought, 51 died, 20 returned
- Recruitment
- Travel agents duped Indians
- Locations
- Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab
Sources
SC Directs Centre to Appoint Nodal Officer for Russia-Ukraine War Victims' Families
Supreme Court Directs Centre To Appoint MEA Nodal Officer For Families Of Indians Killed Or Missing In Russia-Ukraine War
