Iran-Israel conflict: Kin of Indian seafarer killed in strike off Oman move Bombay HC, seek return of remains

The family of an Indian seafarer, who died in a missile strike on a vessel off the Oman coast during the West Asia war, has filed a petition before the Bombay High Court seeking directions to authorities to repatriate his mortal remains.

The petitioners, Amratlal Gokal Solanki and his daughter Mitali Amratlal Solanki, have sought a writ of mandamus against the Union of India and other respondents including the Directorate General of Shipping and V Ships India Pvt. Ltd.

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The deceased, Dixit Amratlal Solanki, was serving as an oiler in the engine room aboard the vessel MT MKD Vyom. Captain Sadler Rebeiro informed the family on March 1, 2026 that the vessel had been struck by a missile, the petition said. An initial casualty report stated that Solanki was missing due to a hole on the shipside following the explosion and fire.

The petitioners have a right to receive the mortal remains of the deceased family member and perform rites guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, the petition states. It contends that the respondents are under a legal obligation to ensure speedy repatriation of the mortal remains under Article 21 read with the Merchant Navy Act, 2025.

The family was later informed that Solanki had been declared deceased. While the remaining 21 crew members were rescued, the petition alleges that Solanki was left behind on the vessel.

The petitioners have made several representations to authorities including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and the Indian Consulate in Dubai seeking intervention for recovery and repatriation of the mortal remains.

The petition notes that the Deputy Director General of Shipping informed the Indian embassy on March 24, 2026 that there had been a delay of 23 days on the part of authorities in the UAE to repatriate the mortal remains.

According to communication from the Consulate General of India in Dubai dated March 18, 2026, the shipping agency had informed that after several attempts, a team had been able to recover skeletal remains of the deceased, which would be handed over to Sharjah Police for formalities for issuance of the death certificate.

The petition states that despite various correspondences, no further response has been received from the authorities.

The petitioners have sought directions to the respondents to expeditiously repatriate and hand over the mortal remains along with all investigation reports, inspection report, forensic report submitted to UAE authorities, and photo evidence of the vessel and mortal remains.

A direction has also been sought to duly preserve the mortal remains until repatriation and handover to the petitioners, pending hearing and final disposal of the petition.

The matter is expected to be heard by a bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad.