NHRC Steps In Over Unclaimed Bodies Piling Up in Raipur Hospital Mortuary
In a shocking development from Chhattisgarh, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has jumped into action after spotting a disturbing media report. The report highlights how unclaimed dead bodies are stacking up in the mortuary of Raipur District Hospital due to a severe lack of space for proper last rites. This situation has sparked major concerns about human rights violations, even for the deceased.
According to the report, a local NGO has stepped up to handle funerals for many of these bodies. However, at least three unidentified ones haven’t even undergone post-mortem exams since last week. The NHRC, India’s top human rights watchdog, took suo motu notice—meaning they acted on their own without a formal complaint. They stressed that if true, this mishandling denies the dead their basic dignity, especially when it comes to religious customs.
The Commission fired off a notice to the Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary, demanding a detailed report within two weeks. This isn’t the first time they’ve raised the alarm. Back in 2021, NHRC issued an advisory reminding authorities to protect the dignity of the dead. They pointed out that Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which covers the right to life and dignity, applies to dead bodies too—not just the living.
Digging deeper into the report, the Raipur district administration had allotted three acres of land three years ago specifically for burying unclaimed bodies. The NGO has already conducted last rites for over 800 such cases there. The land can even be reused after refilling the soil, but officials haven’t lifted a finger to make it happen yet. This delay is leaving bodies in limbo and overwhelming the hospital’s facilities.
For those unfamiliar, the NHRC was set up under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, as an independent body to safeguard human rights across India. These rights include life, liberty, equality, and dignity, as promised by the Constitution and international agreements. What makes NHRC powerful is its ability to act on its own through suo motu cases, often triggered by news reports or public outcry, to ensure quick justice.
This case shines a light on the urgent need for better handling of unclaimed bodies in India, pushing authorities to act fast and respect every individual’s rights—even after death. We’ll keep an eye on the Chief Secretary’s response in the coming weeks.
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