Allahabad HC Pulls Up UP Govt Over Lack of Facilities at Crematoriums

The Allahabad High Court has expressed concern over the lack of basic facilities at crematoriums across Uttar Pradesh and directed the state government to take concrete steps to improve the condition of cremation centres.

The Allahabad High Court has taken serious note of the lack of basic facilities at crematoriums across Uttar Pradesh and has directed the state government to take immediate steps to improve the condition of these centres.

Court's Observations

A division bench comprising Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Prashant Kumar made the following observations during the hearing of a writ petition filed by one Rajendra Kumar Bajpai:

• The court expressed concern over the horrific situation during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic when proper cremation of bodies was not possible due to the lack of infrastructure at cremation centres.
• The court highlighted the increasing population and the slow pace of development of infrastructure at cremation sites.
• The court lamented the fact that people struggle for basic amenities throughout their lives and are deprived of proper cremation facilities even after their death.
• The court pointed out that despite striving to achieve a one trillion economy, the state is still unable to provide proper facilities at cremation centres.

Court's Directives

The court ordered the state government to take concrete steps to improve the condition of cremation centres and directed Additional Advocate General MC Chaturvedi to communicate the order to the newly impleaded officers, including the additional chief secretary panchayati raj and the additional chief secretary urban development. The matter may also be placed before the chief secretary of the state if necessary.

Previous Directives and Affidavit

Earlier, the court had passed certain directives considering the dilapidated conditions of crematoriums/ cremation sites across the state. In pursuance of the court's order, an affidavit was filed on behalf of the secretary, Nagar Vikas, Government of UP, which was taken on record by the court.

Next Hearing

At the request of the state counsel, the court directed that the matter be put up as fresh on January 18, 2024, for further hearing.