Jodhpur, Rajasthan: In a rare diplomatic move, the Rajasthan High Court has issued a notice to the Saudi Arabian Embassy in New Delhi after the body of a Rajasthan youth, who died in Saudi Arabia nearly a month ago, was not repatriated despite repeated appeals from the grieving family.
The deceased, Ramesh Kumar Meghwal, a resident of Balotra district, died under suspicious circumstances in Saudi Arabia on November 13. Nearly 28 days later, his mortal remains have not been sent back, pushing the family into deep distress.
His mother, Teeju Bai, approached the Rajasthan High Court seeking urgent intervention. Acting on her petition, Justice Nupur Bhati on Thursday issued notices to:
• Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, New Delhi
• Government of India through Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri
• Joint Secretary (Gulf Countries), Ministry of External Affairs
• Government of Rajasthan through its Home Secretary
Legal observers say issuing such a notice to a foreign government is uncommon, especially in humanitarian matters, and underscores the seriousness of the situation.
The matter will be heard again on December 17.
The prolonged delay was initially taken up by Charmesh Sharma, former Director of the Rajasthan Seeds Corporation, who has been assisting distressed Indians abroad. He filed complaints with the President’s Secretariat, National Human Rights Commission, and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Following his intervention, the MEA informed him on November 26 that:
• The Saudi Police are still investigating the case.
• The body will be released only after a forensic medical report is completed.
• The Indian Embassy can issue an NOC for repatriation only after receiving the body.
On December 3, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh issued a death certificate, stating the cause of death as suicide. However, due to the pending forensic report, the Embassy said it remains unable to facilitate the return of the mortal remains.
With no progress for weeks, the family sought legal recourse. Ramesh’s mother filed the petition through advocates Sushil Vishnoi and Sunil Purohit, pleading for the immediate repatriation of her son’s body.
ASG Bharat Vyas appeared for the Union Government during the preliminary hearing.
As the family continues to wait, the High Court’s intervention has offered a glimmer of hope — and placed the responsibility on both governments to act swiftly in a matter that has become a humanitarian concern.
