Netaji’s daughter moves Supreme Court for repatriation of his ashes from Tokyo temple
The Supreme Court of India has requested government responses regarding a petition to repatriate the ashes of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose from a temple in Tokyo. The petition was filed by his daughter, Anita Cose Pfaff.
Why it matters
The case involves a significant historical figure and addresses long-standing family and national desires for closure regarding his remains.
: The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) sought responses from the Union Ministries of External Affairs and Home on a petition by Anita Cose Pfaff, daughter of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, seeking the repatriation of the mortal remains of the freedom fighter and the founder of the Indian National Army from Renkō-Ji Temple in Tokyo.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant issued notice to the Union government and the Central Ministries nearly four months after it had previously refused to entertain an identical petition filed by Netaji’s grandnephew Ashish Ray.
The court had, at the time, insisted that Ms. Pfaff, who was present online, should herself approach the court as her father’s rightful and legal heir.
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