Population Increasing Day By Day, But Development Of Cremation Sites At Snail's Pace: Allahabad HC Directs State To Take Concrete Steps

The Allahabad High Court noted the slow development of the infrastructure of the cremation sites despite the continuous growth in the population. 

In response to this concern, the Court directed the state to take decisive measures to address the inadequate facilities at cremation centres. This directive reflected the Court's last order for urgent action to ensure proper amenities for the public even after their demise. 

“We have come across the horrific situation during the peak of Covid19 pandemic, when we were unable to carry out proper cremation of the bodies of departed souls due to serious lack of infrastructure at cremation centres. The population is increasing day by day but the infrastructure at the cremation sites are being developed at snail's pace. It is very unfortunate that the common people struggle their whole life for getting proper amenities and even after their last breath they are deprived of from getting proper cremation facilities. At this stage, we are striving to ac hieve one trillion economy but still unable to give proper facilities at the cremation centres”, the Bench comprising Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Prashant Kumar observed.

Advocate Sanjay Kumar Nigam appeared for the Petitioner and Additional Advocate General M.C. Chaturvedi and Additional Chief Standing Counsel Devesh Vikram appeared for the Respondent.

The Petitioner, the President/Manager of Shamshanghat in Bithoor, raised concerns about the inadequate amenities at the Shamshanghat. Tasked with providing timber for funerals and facilitating them, the Petitioner, despite notifying local authorities, asserted that the issues remain unaddressed.

In response to the overall poor conditions of crematoriums in the state, the Court had issued an order on November 20, 2023, directing the Secretary of Nagar Vikas Government of UP to respond and provide information on the state government's policies addressing the issue.

The Court, in the order dated December 18, 2023, expressed concern over the inadequate infrastructure at cremation centres, particularly highlighted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Court noted the slow development of cremation sites despite the increasing population. The Court emphasized the unfortunate reality that even after struggling throughout their lives for proper amenities, people are deprived of proper cremation facilities.

Therefore, the Court directed the State Government to take concrete steps to address this issue, directing the learned Additional Advocate General to communicate the order to relevant officers and consider involving the Chief Secretary if necessary.

Accordingly, the Court listed the matter for January 18, 2024.

Cause Title: Rajendra Kumar Bajpai v State Of U.P. And 2 Others

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