'Dignity Extends Beyond Death': Allahabad HC Steps In As Stray Animals Desecrate Human Remains At Lucknow Crematorium

Stressing that the "right to live with human dignity extends beyond death", a bench of Justice Shekhar B Saraf and Justice Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary added that each individual must be given a respectful funeral and due honour.

The PIL plea, filed by Shiv Gupta, sought directions to the concerned authorities to properly maintain and operate the Shamshan Bhumi known as the Pipra Ghat Funeral Ground, situated in the Lucknow Cantonment area.

Highlighting a gross violation of the Fundamental Right to a decent cremation guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution, the Counsel for the PIL petitioner submitted that there is an urgent need for drinking water facilities, washrooms, and the repair of the crematorium's boundary wall.

It was also pointed out that, in the absence of a proper boundary wall for the crematorium, stray animals such as monkeys, dogs, and cows enter and loiter inside, making it dirty with excreta.

A highly shocking submission was made regarding how "human remains of dead bodies are licked and/or strewn around" by these stray animals after relatives of deceased persons leave the funeral ground with the funeral fire still burning.

Taking note of the horrific situation, the bench said that the issue raised by the petitioner was serious and it required urgent remedial measures.

When the Counsel for the Cantonment Board submitted that a proposal had been sanctioned for the construction of a modern crematorium, the bench directed that the tender be floated immediately and preferably within 4 weeks.

Furthermore, the Court directed that drinking water facilities be made available immediately at the presently functioning crematorium.

With the above directions, the writ petition was disposed of.