The parents and sister of Indian seafarer Dixit Amratlal Solanki have approached the Bombay High Court, alleging that authorities have failed to repatriate his body due to bureaucratic delays. The matter is expected to come up soon before Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad. Solanki, an oiler on MT MKS Vyom, lost his life during the escalating Iran–Israel conflict in early March 2026.

Missile Strike Tragedy:

On March 1, the vessel was struck by a missile off the coast of Oman, leaving Solanki seriously injured and unconscious. While the rest of the crew was rescued, he went missing and was later declared dead. On March 17, skeletal remains believed to be his were recovered and handed over to Sharjah Police for completion of death certificate formalities.

The petition criticises the Directorate General of Shipping, the Embassy of India in the United Arab Emirates, and VShips India for not taking action despite repeated requests.

No Response Despite Appeals:

The family says they reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Shipping, and the Consulate General of India in Dubai, but have still not received any updates on the identification or return of the body.

Right Under Article 21:

“The family has 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 respondents are under a legal obligation to ensure speedy repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased under Article 21 and the Merchant Navy Act,” the petition states.

The family has asked the court to pass urgent orders directing the Central government and the Dubai Consulate to speed up the recovery, identification, and transport of the remains back to India.

Case Details: Amratlal Gokal Solanki & Anr. v. Union of India & Ors.