Netaji’s daughter moves Supreme Court for repatriation of his ashes from Tokyo temple
Netaji is believed to have died in an air crash at Taihoku (Taipei) while travelling onward from Singapore after the Japanese surrendered to the Allied Powers in 1945. His mortal remains were transported to Tokyo in early September 1945
The Supreme Court of India has recently taken notice of a petition seeking the repatriation of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's mortal remains from Renkō-Ji Temple in Tokyo. The request was filed by Anita Bose Pfaff, Netaji's daughter, who is currently represented in the case. The court had previously dismissed a similar petition filed by Netaji's grandnephew, Ashish Ray, but has now directed both the Union Ministries of External Affairs and Home to respond to the current petition.
The petition highlights the long-standing plight of Netaji's remains, which have been preserved at Renkō-Ji Temple for over 80 years since his death in 1945. The remains have been kept there by successive head priests, creating a state of "posthumous exile" for Netaji's family. The court emphasized that Ms. Pfaff, as Netaji's rightful and legal heir, should personally apply for the repatriation of his remains to India.
Mr. Ray, in a statement, expressed his respect for the court's decision to have Ms. Pfaff directly apply for relief. The Union government has been criticized for its "prolonged failure to take a final, reasoned, and time-bound decision" regarding the repatriation of Netaji's remains or at least facilitating their repatriation to India.
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