The Allahabad High Court has expressed its concern regarding the inadequate basic facilities at crematoriums throughout Uttar Pradesh.
The court has directed the state government to take substantial measures to enhance the conditions of cremation centers.
During the hearing of a writ petition filed by Rajendra Kumar Bajpai, a division bench consisting of Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Prashant Kumar noted, “We witnessed a distressing situation during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic when proper cremation of the deceased became challenging due to a severe lack of infrastructure at cremation centers.”
The court further remarked on the slow development of infrastructure at cremation sites in contrast to the increasing population, stating, “It is regrettable that despite the lifelong struggles of common people to obtain adequate amenities, even in death, they are deprived of proper cremation facilities. While we aspire to achieve a one trillion economy, we still struggle to provide proper facilities at cremation centers.”
The court has issued an order directing the state government to take concrete steps in addressing this issue.
Consequently, the court instructed Additional Advocate General MC Chaturvedi to communicate this order to newly impleaded officers, including the additional chief secretary (panchayati raj) and the additional chief secretary (urban development).
If necessary, the matter may also be brought to the attention of the chief secretary of the state.
Previously, considering the dilapidated conditions of crematoriums/cremation sites across the state lacking basic amenities and infrastructure, the court had issued certain directives.
In compliance with the court’s order, an affidavit was submitted on behalf of the secretary, Nagar Vikas, Government of UP, which the court duly accepted.
Upon a request from the state counsel, the court, in its order dated December 18, directed to schedule this matter for a fresh hearing on January 18, 2024.
