PANJIM: The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) will on Monday hear a petition that accuses Goa government’s lethargy over social activist Fr Bismarque Dias’ body lying in the morgue at Goa Medical College and hospital for over 16 months.
Chief Secretary Dharmendra Sharma, Director General of Police Dr Muktesh Chander and GMC Dean Dr Pradeep Naik are likely to submit their replies, following notices issued last month.
The Commission headed by retired District Judge A D Salkar and comprising J A Keny had taken cognizance of a complaint filed by lawyer-activist Aires Rodrigues pointing out that Dias’ decomposed body is languishing in the GMC morgue since November 7, 2015.
Pointing out that with all the forensic tests done and the viscera report having been received, the mortal remains are not required for any further examination, Rodrigues in his complaint also submitted that Fr Dias who ‘selflessly, dedicatedly and tirelessly toiled for Goa must be given a fitting farewell and laid to rest with all due respect to the great departed soul.’ The body, he alleged is lying in the very unhygienic and regularly malfunctional morgue which is also infested with a huge brigade of rats and other rodents.
The petitioner also drew the attention of the GHRC that the Supreme Court in a recent judgment has held that even in death a person has dignity and when one is dead deserves to be treated with human dignity it being a basic human right.
