Stray Animals Entering Lucknow Crematorium and Disturbing Human Remains Prompt Allahabad High Court to Order Immediate Renovation

The Allahabad High Court has directed authorities to undertake immediate repair and renovation of the Pipra Ghat crematorium in Lucknow Cantonment after being informed that stray animals were entering the premises and, in some instances, disturbing human remains left behind after cremations. The Court observed that the issue raised concerns not only public sanitation but also the constitutional right to dignity after death.

The directions were issued while hearing a public interest litigation highlighting the poor condition of the cremation ground. The petitioner alleged that the facility lacked essential infrastructure such as a proper boundary wall, drinking water facilities and washrooms. Due to the damaged boundary wall, stray dogs, monkeys and cattle were reportedly entering the premises, making the area unhygienic and, on certain occasions, scattering or licking human remains after grieving families had departed.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Shekhar B. Saraf and Justice Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary described the allegations as serious and requiring urgent attention. The Court emphasised that the right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution extends beyond death and includes the right to a respectful funeral and cremation. Relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in Ashray Adhikar Abhiyan v. Union of India, the Bench reiterated that dignified last rites form an integral part of constitutional protections.

The Court also took note of a proposal for constructing a modern crematorium and directed the authorities to expedite the tender process, preferably within four weeks. In addition, immediate steps were ordered to provide drinking water facilities and strengthen the existing infrastructure at the cremation ground.