A plea filed in the Delhi High Court highlights the issue of exorbitant charges being demanded from Christians for securing burial spaces in cemetery grounds. The petition raises concerns over the lack of transparency and fairness in cemetery management practices. It argues that these inflated costs violate fundamental rights and create undue financial strain on grieving families.
New Delhi: A petition submitted to the Delhi High Court, claiming that members of Christian communities are being forced to pay excessively high fees for burial plots in designated cemeteries.
The plea seeks judicial intervention, arguing that these practices infringe on fundamental rights and impose heavy financial burdens on affected families, warranting immediate redress.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora, instructed Standing Counsel Tripathi to engage with the Chief Secretary of the GNCTD and the Lieutenant Governor to address the matter and provide a comprehensive response.
Advocate Cheryl Betsy Mathew contended that the government designated specific burial grounds for Christians in the city to be offered at nominal fees.
However, reports indicate that Christians are being charged exorbitantly for securing plots. It was further alleged that previously reserved plots are being resold to the highest bidder, with claims that old coffins are sometimes removed to make way for these sales.
Additionally, Advocate Mathew alleged that since 2016, various structures have been constructed along the cemetery’s periphery, constituting encroachments. When questioned by the court, Advocate Mathew stated that she had submitted multiple representations to the MCD and DDA, but both agencies failed to clarify the jurisdiction over the cemetery.
She urged the court to oversee an investigation due to a lack of trust in government bodies, including the DDA and MCD.
After reviewing the petitioner’s arguments, the court scheduled the matter for further hearing on November 29, 2024.