Delhi High Court Orders NOC for Repatriation of Alfi Richard Watts' Remains from UK

The Delhi High Court mandated the Indian High Commission in London to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for transferring Alfi Richard Watts' mortal remains from the UK to Hyderabad. This decision underscores the necessity for consistent consular services across Indian diplomatic missions worldwide.

The Delhi High Court has ordered the Indian High Commission in London to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the repatriation of Alfi Richard Watts' mortal remains from the United Kingdom to Hyderabad. This ruling facilitates the repatriation process and honors the family's wishes to lay the deceased to rest in India.

Alfi Richard Watts' father recently petitioned the Delhi High Court, stressing that while UK authorities, including a local MP and County Councillor, have supported the process, it was stalled by the Indian High Commission's refusal to grant an NOC due to Watts' British citizenship and lack of an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card. The plea sought the court's intervention to enable repatriation.

Justice Sanjeev Narula's bench, in an order dated August 16, 2024, overturned the High Commission's decision from July 29, 2024. The court issued a mandamus directing the Indian High Commission to issue an NOC to Sharon Alphonso, Watts' daughter-in-law, for the repatriation of his remains to Hyderabad.

Advocates Avinash Mathews and Namrata Caleb argued for the petitioner, highlighting the inconsistency in guidelines applied by Indian diplomatic posts worldwide. They asserted that crucial consular services should be uniform and not vary based on the deceased's nationality or specific documentation like an OCI card. This is especially significant for individuals with Indian origins or connections.

The petitioner pointed out discrepancies in the guidelines of various Indian High Commissions, noting that the London office requires an OCI card for repatriation, whereas others like Singapore and the USA do not. Despite Watts' change of nationality, his birth and familial ties to India should be considered in the repatriation process. The court observed that guidelines emphasize the deceased should be of Indian origin, and since Watts met this criterion, the court granted the petitioner's request for repatriation.

(With inputs from agencies.)