The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to explore measures to streamline the process of securing compensation for families of Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces, including the possibility of submitting claims through the Russian Embassy in India.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also suggested that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issue a public notice inviting affected families to approach the government for assistance in obtaining compensation.
The Court observed that a public notification could help identify families who had not yet approached the authorities and ensure that they received assistance in pursuing their claims.
The Bench asked the Centre to submit a supplementary status report detailing the compensation assessed by Russian authorities and the amounts actually disbursed to the affected families.
The proceedings arose in a petition titled Divya and Others v. Union of India and Others, Writ Petition (Civil) No. 451 of 2026.
During the hearing, the Court was informed that the MEA had been contacting affected families individually to collect the documents and information required to process their claims. The Bench indicated that a broader public notice could supplement these efforts and facilitate access to the compensation mechanism.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the Court that the Indian Embassy had forwarded four compensation applications to the Russian authorities. According to the status report, one family had received the entire compensation amount, while another had received it partially. Four other families had approached the Russian authorities directly and obtained compensation.
Counsel for the petitioners highlighted the practical difficulties faced by families in accessing the compensation. He submitted that the existing procedure required claimants to travel to Russia, potentially on two occasions, and open a bank account there to receive the payment.
Taking note of these difficulties, the Bench asked the MEA to explore whether applications could be submitted through the Russian Embassy in India. It also suggested that the government discuss alternative arrangements with the Russian authorities, observing that Russian banks operate in Delhi.
The Centre informed the Court that efforts were underway to simplify the process and that the Russian authorities had been cooperating with Indian officials.
The Bench also directed the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana to comply with its earlier order dated July 31, 2026, providing free legal assistance to affected families. The assistance is to cover the submission of compensation claims, DNA testing and other necessary legal and administrative formalities.
The Registry was directed to circulate a copy of the order to the Member Secretaries of all DLSAs concerned.
The Court has sought further information from the Centre on the status of compensation payments, missing Indian nationals, DNA reports and action taken against recruitment agents allegedly involved in sending Indian nationals to Russia.
The matter concerns Indian nationals who were recruited into the Russian military amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with several families seeking assistance in tracing missing relatives and obtaining compensation in cases involving deaths.
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