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HHRC directs authorities to ensure hearse access in every district
The Haryana Human Rights Commission launched suo motu action over a deceased woman transported home on a motorised cart due to poverty. It ordered steps to ensure hearse access, including at least one functional hearse per district and hospital-based availability, and set in motion policy and reporting actions across 2026.
Why It Matters
The action centers on dignity and equal access to essential end-of-life services for economically weaker sections, extending beyond life to posthumous treatment and support.
Timeline
6 Events
Future reporting and next hearing timeline noted
May 2, 2026
Assistant registrar Puneet Arora said that authorities will have to submit their reports at least one week prior to the next date of hearing on August 13, 2026.
April 4 hearing: staff sensitisation and public display of hearse details; police security urged
April 4, 2026
The commission expressed serious concerns and directed that hospital staff be sensitised, especially towards poor and illiterate individuals, and that full assistance in availing hearse services be provided. It also called for contact details of hearse services to be displayed in all government health institutions and recommended police security outside mortuaries to prevent illegal activities and tampering of evidence.
April 4 hearing: review of reports and free hearse availability noted
April 4, 2026
During the April 4 hearing, the commission reviewed reports from various authorities. It was informed that a free hearse vehicle is available at Faridabad civil hospital through the Red Cross Society, but the family could not avail the service due to lack of awareness and procedural knowledge, as stated by Faridabad Civil Hospital medical officer Jayant Ahuja.
Policy directive to formulate free transportation of deceased for the poor
February 2, 2026
The commission directed the state government to formulate a comprehensive policy for free transportation of deceased persons for poor families, on the lines of free ambulance services provided to pregnant women.
HHRC says right to life includes dignity after death
February 2, 2026
In its February 2 order, the commission observed that the right to life under Article 21 extends beyond mere existence and includes the right to dignity even after death.
Suo motu case registered by HHRC based on Jan 30 news report
January 30, 2026
The Haryana Human Rights Commission registered a suo motu case after a news report published on January 30 highlighted that Anuradha, a 35-year-old tuberculosis patient, died during treatment at Badshah Khan Civil Hospital in Faridabad on January 28. Due to financial constraints, her family transported the body home on a motorised cart. The case was registered by the HHRC led by Justice Lalit Batra with members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia.