New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea seeking policies to protect the rights of the dead in the wake of reports of bodies found floating in the Ganga river amid the Covid-19 pandemic, directing the petitioner to approach the National Human Rights Commission.
While granting liberty to the petitioner to approach the NHRC, the Division Bench of Justice Nageswara Rao and Justice Hemant said, “How many forums can you approach? It is a serious problem… we know. Luckily the situation is not that now. You referred to NHRC recommendations… go to NHRC.”
The plea, filed by NGO Trust Distress Management Collective, also sought that states and Union Territories set rates for cremations, burials, and ambulance services, and take action against those who overcharge.
The petitioners said that they had approached the Delhi High Court earlier but were not satisfied.
They had approached the apex court for help in framing policies to protect the rights of the dead, including action against overcharging for cremating those who died of COVID-19, the plea stated.