The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh on the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) for failing to provide adequate burial and cremation facilities in Gorai and nearby areas, terming the lapse a violation of basic human rights. The Commission has also directed the civic body to establish proper funeral infrastructure within three months.
The Commission initiated action on its own after taking suo motu cognisance of a news report highlighting the continued absence of such facilities in Gorai, Manori, and Culvem, even decades after independence. It instructed the Municipal Commissioner to ensure the creation of officially registered burial and cremation grounds within the stipulated timeline.
The order was passed by a bench led by Justice A.M. Badar and member Justice Swapna Joshi, which expressed concern over the civic body’s failure. “It is really surprising that even after entrustment of the area to one of the richest municipal corporations, basic facilities for disposal of dead bodies with dignity are not provided,” the Commission observed.
During the hearing, the MCGM acknowledged that Gorai currently lacks any registered cemetery or cremation ground, confirming the deficiencies raised. The Commission noted that this shortfall violates statutory obligations under Section 63(11) of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act, which mandates local authorities to provide such essential services.
In addition to funeral infrastructure gaps, the panel pointed out broader shortcomings in public amenities, observing that while a village dispensary exists, residents still do not have access to a full-fledged hospital.
Referring to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the Commission emphasised that dignity is a right that extends beyond life. “The right to dignity encompasses the disposal of dead bodies with dignity,” the Commission held.
Alongside the directive to build facilities, the MCGM has been instructed to deposit the ₹1 lakh fine with the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority within one month.
Source: The Free Press Journal
