While hearing a petition seeking permission to bury the body of his father, a Christian pastor, after local authorities and the state High Court failed to issue a favourable order, the Supreme Court described the incident as painful, noting it was distressing that the son had to approach the apex court for a resolution.
The Supreme Court expressed its concern on January 20 regarding a case involving the burial of a Christian pastor from Chhattisgarh, highlighting the failure of local authorities and the High Court to resolve the issue, The Wire reported.
The incident began when the family attempted to bury the pastor in their village graveyard on January 7 following his death due to prolonged illness. However, their efforts were met with strong opposition from some villagers, who threatened the family with violence, preventing them from proceeding with the burial. The family then sought police assistance, but according to the petition, the authorities pressured them to remove the body from the village, leaving it in a mortuary since January 7.
When the matter reached the High Court, it was observed that there was no burial ground for Christians in Chhindwara village. However, the court noted that a separate burial ground for Christians was available in a nearby village, located around 20-25 kilometres away. Despite this, the High Court ruled that granting the relief sought by the petitioner could lead to public unrest and disharmony.
The Solicitor General representing the State offered to bury the body at the State’s expense in the nearby village’s Christian burial ground but reiterated that the burial ground in Chhindwara was designated only for Hindu tribals, according to their customs. The petitioner’s legal representative, however, argued that the State’s stance undermined secular traditions, pointing to the failure of both the local authorities and the judiciary to resolve the situation amicably.
The Supreme Court, in its response, expressed its disappointment that such a matter had to be brought before it, highlighting the failure of the Panchayat, the State Government, and the High Court to find a solution. The Court underscored the distress caused by the situation, noting the emotional toll on the petitioner, who had to turn to the highest court in the country to secure a dignified burial for his father.