Covid-19: 'Even In Death Human Bodies Are Not Being Treated With The Dignity They Deserve': Telangana High Court

"Even in death, human bodies are not being treated with the dignity they deserve" observed a Division Bench comprising of Chief Justice Hima Kohli and Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy on being informed about the difficulties being faced by people in arranging for cremation of their deceased family members.

The Court was informed that in view of large number of fatalities over the past few days on account of people succumbing to the COVID-19 infection, family members are finding it "virtually impossible" to find transport to ferry the dead bodies from hospitals/ homes to the cremation grounds/burial grounds.

It was brought to the Court's notice that even drivers of ambulances, that are otherwise available free of cost, are "ripping the public" by demanding illegal gratification for transportation of COVID-l9 infected patients from their homes to hospitals or from hospitals to homes.

"This is most unacceptable," the Court sternly remarked. It observed that it is impermissible for services that are offered by the State free of cost, to be exploited in this manner by the staff attached to hospitals or the drivers of ambulances.

"The aforesaid aspect must be examined with all seriousness and addressed immediately," the Court ordered.

The State has also been directed to create a toll-free number for calling for a hearse with ease.

Dead Bodies Piling Up, Waiting To Be Cremated

Inter alia, the Court was also informed that due to increase in mortality rate, dead bodies are piling up waiting to be cremated due to paucity of space and non-availability of adequate facilities and man power.

Accordingly, State has been asked to submit the details of the number and capacity of the cremation grounds and burial grounds.

"Each cremation ground/burial ground should maintain a display Board and upload the information regarding the number of bodies being cremated/buried on a daily basis.

The State shall also inform the court as to whether adequate number of body bags for wrapping the corpses are available in Movement/private hospitals so that the bodies can be transported to the crenation/burial grounds in a dignified manner," the order stated.

Case Title: R. Sameer Ahmed v. State ofTelangana & Ors.

Click Here To Download Order

Read Order