10 Indians dead after joining Russian military in Ukraine War, Centre tells SC

The Centre told the Supreme Court on Friday (April 24) that 10 Indian citizens who had travelled to Russia have died while fighting in the war against Ukraine. It added that most had joined the Russian forces voluntarily, though in some cases, individuals were forced into military service.

Petition raises allegations of coercion

The submission was made during the hearing of a writ petition filed by the family members of 26 Indians who were allegedly forced into the war after they went to Russia seeking employment opportunities.

Also Read: No court can compel a minor to continue unwanted pregnancy, rules SC

The hearing was being conducted by a bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi. Earlier, the top court had sought the Centre’s response regarding the issue.

Centre details casualties, outreach efforts

Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Aiswharya Bhati stated that out of the 26 individuals referred to in the petition, 10 had unfortunately died.

She further stated that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had been in regular contact with all the affected families.

Also Read: SC orders SIT probe into Ghaziabad minor rape-murder case, flags police lapses

However, countering the Centre’s submission, counsel for the petitioner alleged that the MEA has made no contact with the affected families.

"They have not collected our DNA sample, we have been trafficked out of the country, they are not even in touch with us, it is not a case of inaction, they are not even in contact with us..." the counsel submitted as quoted by Live Law.

CJI urges careful handling of matter

At this point, the CJI stated that the "matter needs to be tactfully handled."

However, the ASG refuted the petitioners’ argument, stating that even though the Centre has managed to arrange for the mortal remains, there was a lack of cooperation from the affected families.

Also Read: Sabarimala case: SC rejects ‘WhatsApp Varsity’ inputs, stresses limits of personal opinions

"They have been communicating with us to bring back the mortal remains, but they said we don't have the capacity. Yesterday, they told us, you keep the mortal remains, we are going to court. This is the behaviour. There are some difficulties; there are human angles. They have to cooperate with us; we are there to support every Indian citizen who needs support," the ASG said.

"I have the status of these 26, out of these, 10 unfortunately passed away. One is in imprisonment in a criminal case, and one is voluntarily continuing. The Indian government has been doing a multi-pronged strategy, we have been guiding them not to accept these. They entered into voluntary contracts,” she added.

Dispute over recruitment

However, the petitioners’ counsel countered, stating that the affected persons were forced to join the war after their passports were confiscated and they were duped by agents who offered them jobs in Russia.

Also Read: SC questions ‘Centre-State dispute’ claim in ED plea against Mamata Banerjee

"There are multiple dimensions, one is, voluntarily entering into contracts; the second is that there are some agents who are misleading them...,” the AG responded, adding that one such agent had been arrested. ‘

At the end of the hearing, the bench directed the MEA to file status report on the steps taken to address the issue.