Government of Chhattisgarh receives notice from National Human Rights Commission regarding unattended corpses in Raipur hospital mortuary.
In a recent development, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report regarding the unclaimed dead bodies in the Raipur district hospital mortuary. The Commission has issued a notice to the Chhattisgarh government over the issue, expressing concern over the alleged neglect of the three-acre land allocated for the last rites of unburied bodies three years ago.
According to the media report, the Raipur district hospital has not taken any measures to allocate the unused land, which has been neglected for the past three years. As a result, over 800 unclaimed bodies have allegedly been cremated on the allocated land by an NGO. Three unidentified bodies have allegedly not undergone post-mortem examinations since last week.
The NHRC stated that the dead 'also deserve last rites with dignity' in accordance with their religion. This sentiment is in line with the commission's advisory issued in 2021, which upholds the dignity and protects the rights of the dead. The right to life, fair treatment, and dignity, derived from Article 21 of the Constitution of India, extends to the dead bodies, according to the commission.
If the contents of the media report are true, it raises a serious issue of violation of human rights. The NHRC observed that the content of the media report, if true, raises a 'serious issue of violation of human rights as the dead also deserve the last rites with dignity.' The Commission has given the Chhattisgarh government two weeks to submit a detailed report on the matter.
The media report also suggests that there is no place allotted for the last rites, and these are being performed by an NGO. It further states that the land could be reused after refilling of the soil, but no action has been taken by the district administration so far.
The NHRC's intervention comes at a time when the issue of unclaimed dead bodies and their disposal has gained national attention. The Commission's action underscores the importance of upholding the dignity of the dead and ensuring that their rights are protected, even in death. The Chhattisgarh government is now under pressure to address the issue and ensure that the dead are given their due respect and dignity.
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