The Allahabad High Court on Friday refused to entertain a PIL seeking directions to the State of Uttar Pradesh to perform the last rites and dispose of the dead bodies buried along the Ganga at different ghats in Prayagraj as early as possible.
The bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Yadav and Justice Prakash Padia asked the petitioner as to how he has contributed to this public interest cause. “If you are a public-spirited person, tell us how many bodies you have been able to identify and give them decent burial or cremation.”
When Advocate Pranvesh brought on record the advisory issued by the National Human Rights Commission to the Centre and states for protecting the dignity and the rights of the dead.
“You have not examined the ground realities, if you say that the NHRC has passed an order regarding this matter, go and complain with them and that this is not being heard by them. Please don’t come to court seeking directions,” said the Court.
The Bench states that the plea was more in the nature of a publicity interest litigation than in public interest. The Court asked the counsel Pranvesh as to what had been his personal contribution to the cause and as to whether he himself dug out and cremated the bodies.
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Chief Justice Sanjay Yadav further asked the counsel to show his credentials and as to what had been done by him personally in the matter. “Why should the State do that? If there is a death in a family, is it the State’s responsibility?” the Court questioned.
The Court then dismissed the petition and advised the petitioner to return with proper research.