The High Court of Patna on Thursday took suo motu cognizance of the video of a child trying to wake his dead mother lying on the Muzaffarpur Railway Station. The State Government however informed the Court that the news was partially incorrect since the deceased was mentally unstable and had died a natural death.
Additional Advocate General SD Yadav, appearing for the State Government further informed the bench that “the fact was reported by the deceased’s sister and brother- in-law. After the brother in law brought the factum of her death to the notice of the Railway Authorities and after recording of his statement, the dead body was allowed to be taken home. No post mortem was conducted. Also no FIR was registered. However, the District Administration facilitated by providing an Ambulance up to the place of destination. The orphaned child is in safe custody and guardianship of the sister of the deceased.”
Since the child was in safe custody now and the matter relating to the migrants is pending in the Supreme Court, the High court refrained from passing any order until instructions form the standing counsel in the Supreme Court were received.
The bench however instructed the Principal Secretaries to file an affidavit stating the complete facts of the case before the next date of hearing.
The matter has been listed for next hearing on June 3.
-India Legal Bureau