Ensuring Dignity in Death: HHRC's Call to Action

The Haryana Human Rights Commission addressed the issue of a deceased person's body being transported on a motorised cart due to financial constraints. The commission directed that poor and illiterate individuals receive assistance in accessing hearse services, underscoring the need for dignity in death and systemic policy changes.

In a move to uphold dignity even in death, the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has issued directives following a troubling incident in Faridabad. The case involved a deceased woman's body being transported home on a motorised cart due to financial difficulties.

The panel stressed that the poor and illiterate must receive proper assistance in accessing hearse services, noting a systemic failure in providing dignity after death. The HHRC has mandated the state to draft a policy akin to free ambulance services for the poor.

During a review, the HHRC identified a gap in awareness and procedures leading to a failure in using available free hearse services. Authorities have been pressed to ensure access to these services and improve conditions at hospitals and mortuaries.