New Delhi, July 31 -- The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to appoint a nodal officer to assist the families of Indian nationals who were allegedly duped by travel agents into joining the Russian armed forces and were killed or injured in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The Court also directed the Centre to facilitate DNA identification of mortal remains, provide free legal aid and translate documents relating to compensation claims and repatriation.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant directed the MEA to share the said nodal officer's contact details with the families of deceased and injured Indian nationals. It further directed the Ministry to arrange DNA testing of mortal rema...