Supreme Court Asks Centre to Respond on Netaji Bose's Remains Return Request

Supreme Court Seeks Government's Response

New Delhi: On Tuesday, the Supreme Court requested the Central Government to respond to a petition aimed at repatriating the remains of freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose from Japan to India.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, issued a notice to the Union government, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the plea submitted by Anita B. Pfaff, the daughter of Netaji.

Senior advocate Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi represented Anita Bose Pfaff before the Bench headed by CJI Kant.

The case is scheduled for further discussion on September 28.

The petition calls for the return of Netaji's remains, which are believed to be preserved at the Renkoji Temple in Tokyo, Japan.

The petitioner argues that as Netaji's daughter and legal heir, Anita Bose Pfaff has the right to pursue this matter in the Supreme Court.

This recent development follows the Supreme Court's earlier decision to dismiss a similar request for the return of Netaji's remains from Japan.

In March, the CJI Kant-led Bench had shown reluctance to consider a petition from Ashish Ray, Netaji's grandnephew.

During that hearing, Singhvi sought to withdraw the petition, indicating that Netaji's daughter would file a new request.

Singhvi emphasized that Anita Bose Pfaff is the sole legal heir of Netaji and supports the plea for the return of his remains. However, the CJI remarked that the legal heir must directly approach the court to pursue the matter.

The court acknowledged the family's sentiments but clarified that legal actions must be initiated by the rightful heir.

The petition claims that the Union government has not acted to return Netaji's remains from the Renkoji Temple and seeks directives for their repatriation so that his daughter can conduct his last rites in India.