Supreme Court Agrees To Hear Anita Pfaff 's Plea Seeking Repatriation Of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Ashes

The Supreme Court today has agreed to hear a plea filed by Anita B. Pfaff, daughter of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, seeking directions to bring back his mortal remains from Japan.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana heard Seniro Advocate AM Singhvi, appearing for Pfaff and issued notice to the respondents.

In March this year, Supreme Court had refused to entertain a petition by one Asis Roy, seeking to repatriate the ashes of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose from Tokyo’s Renkō‑Ji Temple so that his daughter Anita Bose Pfaff can perform his last rites in India.

CJI Surya Kant led bench had expressed its disinclination to hear the case at the outset. "How many times will this issue come to court ? He was the greatest leader of our nation and we all bow down to his supreme sacrifice. But how many family members will approach court..", CJI Kant had then told Senior Advocate AM Singhvi appearing for the petitioner.

"So many Indian Prime Ministers have paid respects at the temple. The daughter is here on the screen, Ms Anita", Singhvi had told court it is recorded that every head of state from India has paid obeisance at the Renkoji temple in Japan. "Let the heir come to court and seek this. We respect her sentiments and we will ensure her sentiments are made into legal action," Justice Bagchi had told Singhvi who then withdrew the petition.

CJI Kant had heard a similar case in 2024. The Supreme Court had then come down heavily on a petitioner, who was seeking an inquiry into the death of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and KV Vishwanathan questioned the petitioner Pinaki Pani Mohanty on his bona fides. “Who is making you file these kind of petitions before elections?” Justice Surya Kant had asked. Mohanty however had said that he was filing them at his own behest, for the sake of human rights.

This had further miffed the bench, which asked him whether he had effectuated any actual human rights work. Mohanty pointed out to an order he had attained but after perusing it, the bench said that it was a regular operative order and not one passed in any PIL of his. “Such reckless allegations are made against deceased persons. You didn’t even leave Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru… how can you just write anything against anyone?” court had said.

Case Title: Anita B. Pfaff v. Union of India & Ors.

Bench: CJI Kant, Justice Bagchi and Justice Mohana

Hearing Date: August 11, 2026