The Punjab and Haryana High Court has permitted the cremation of 35-year-old Daljit Singh in his native village of Bhamme Kalan in Punjab’s Mansa district, reversing its earlier direction that the last rites be performed in Chandigarh. The Court also prohibited politicians and political parties from participating in or interfering with the cremation arrangements.
Justice Sanjay Vashisth modified the previous order on Wednesday after Daljit’s wife and mother requested permission to conduct his last rites at his native place. The Court directed that the cremation take place on November 5 before noon.
The administration has been instructed to ensure adequate security at the cremation ground. The Court also ordered that Daljit’s body be transported directly from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, to Bhamme Kalan under police protection.
Court Restricts Political Participation
The revised order requires PGIMER authorities to hand over Daljit’s mortal remains to a designated police team after completing the necessary formalities. The team must take the body directly to the village cremation ground with adequate security arrangements.
Accepting the petitioners’ request, the Court made it clear that neither ruling-party nor opposition politicians would be allowed to attend or interfere with the cremation arrangements. The restriction also extends to other groups and organisations.
The directions come amid political criticism over Daljit’s death, with several opposition leaders questioning the Punjab Police and the state government over the incident and the broader issue of drug abuse.
Earlier Order Required Cremation in Chandigarh
On Tuesday, the High Court had directed that Daljit’s post-mortem examination be conducted at PGIMER, Chandigarh. It had also ordered that the cremation take place in Chandigarh in the presence of close family members only.
Daljit’s sister had approached the High Court seeking a post-mortem examination at PGIMER. Subsequently, his wife and mother sought modification of the cremation arrangements to allow the family to perform the last rites in their native village.
Daljit died in Bhamme Kalan on October 27. His death was allegedly linked to a drug overdose, although the police registered a murder case.
The latest order changes the location of the cremation while retaining restrictions on outside participation and requiring security arrangements for transporting the body and conducting the last rites.
