Violation of Human Dignity
According to reports dated September 9, 2025, several unclaimed bodies have been lying in the mortuary without post-mortem examinations. Three unidentified bodies, in particular, have not been examined for over a week. With no official provision for their cremation or burial, an NGO has been handling the last rites of these bodies, raising concerns about systemic neglect.
The NHRC observed that the issue directly relates to human rights, noting that the dead too deserve dignity in accordance with their religion. The Commission recalled its 2021 advisory that stressed the protection of the rights of the deceased, clarifying that Article 21 of the Indian Constitution—guaranteeing the right to life, fair treatment, and dignity—applies not only to the living but also to dead bodies.
Land Allocation Ignored
The media report further revealed that about three years ago, the district administration allocated three acres of land for the last rites of unclaimed bodies. Since then, over 800 bodies were cremated or buried there by the same NGO. However, the land, which could be reused after soil refilling, has not been made available again due to administrative inaction.
This lapse has created a crisis at the hospital mortuary, forcing the piling up of unclaimed bodies and leaving no dignified process in place for their disposal. The NHRC has stressed that such conditions reflect a failure of governance and urgent remedial action is needed.
NHRC’s Stand on Rights of the Dead
The Commission reiterated that upholding the dignity of the dead is an essential human right. In its earlier advisory, it had recommended that state governments ensure proper infrastructure for storage, identification, and disposal of unidentified bodies. Failure to do so, it warned, not only undermines the dignity of the deceased but also erodes public trust in institutions.
By intervening in this case, the NHRC has reminded authorities of their legal and moral responsibility to safeguard both the rights of the living and the dignity of the departed.
Next Steps
The Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh has been directed to file a comprehensive report within two weeks. The report is expected to cover the reasons behind the delay in conducting post-mortems, the current status of the mortuary facilities, and measures planned for ensuring dignified last rites for unclaimed bodies.
The issue has sparked conversations around the broader challenges faced by state health systems in handling unclaimed bodies and the role of civil society in filling these gaps. Whether this intervention will lead to sustainable solutions remains to be seen.
