In a significant move to uphold the right and dignity of the dead body, the Haryana Cabinet convened under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal today, has approved "The Haryana Honourable Disposal of Dead Body Bill, 2024." This landmark legislation aims to ensure the decent and timely last rites of a dead body.
In consideration of the respect and dignity owed to a dead person, nobody should be allowed to raise any demand or bait for pursuing any demands by way of any protest or agitation by not performing the timely last rites of a dead body. It is essential to prevent any individual from using a deceased body as a means of protest or demonstration in any form.
The proposed legislation also emphasizes the responsibility of public authorities in cases where family members disown a deceased body, leading to a denial of proper last rites. In such instances, the public authority is mandated to step in and ensure the dignified and timely conclusion of the last rites for the dead body.
It is pertinent to note that the entitlement to dignity and fair treatment, following Article 21 of the Constitution of India, extends beyond the living to include the body after death.