HC seeks State Govt, others' response on PIL for cremation of COVID victims in 'Green Crematoriums'

On Monday, the High Court of Delhi sought a response from Delhi Govt, civic bodies, & others on a  PIL seeking directions to allow performing last rites of those who have died due to coronavirus in "green crematoriums".

The Public Interest Litigation moved by an NGO, submitted that the petitioner is working in the field of installation of green crematoriums that can be used for the cremation of bodies of Coronavirus victims after performing the last rites.

A division bench of Justice DN Patel & Justice Prateek Jalan slated the matter for further hearing on June 29 & sought replies from all the respondents on the plea while also hearing three matters regarding the reports of disposal of bodies.

Meanwhile, the HC also heard a contempt petition seeking action against Delhi Govt's Top bureaucrats, including the Chief Secretary, for non-compliance of the court's earlier order regarding non disposal of bodies.

As a similar matter related to the disposal of bodies has also been taken by the Apex Court, Delhi HC posted the matter for hearing on the next date.

The petition for the cremation of COVID-19 victims in green crematoriums, moved through advocate Gaurav Bansal, sought directions to allow the petitioner NGO to use its expertise & services in facilitating the cremation of COVID-19 victims at Nigambodh cremation ground.

It said that with the help of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Indian Govt & United Nation, till date, petitioner NGO has successfully installed 46 green crematoriums in seven states, of which 16 are established in the national capital.

It is said that the NGO is ready to provide a team of four persons to facilitate the cremation of bodies lying at Nigambodh Gath - Delhi.

The petition said that the petitioner had, on May 22, also written to Member Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority as well & Delhi Lt Governor appraising them about the units installed in the national capital.

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