Despite the split verdict, the bench did not refer the matter to a larger bench. Instead, it disposed of the matter passing common directions. A dispute had arisen over whether the deceased person could be buried in the common burial ground where his ancestors were buried since he had converted to Christianity. The Chhattisgarh government had argued that the deceased should be buried in a separate burial ground for Christians which is 20 km away from the village to avoid potential law and order issues. On the other hand, the deceased’s son asserted that his father had the right to be buried in the same land as his ancestors, adding he should not face such discrimination merely because he converted to Christianity. Since the body of the deceased had been lying in the morgue for several days, the bench of justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma directed the deceased be buried 20 km away, as suggested by the state. “All logistic support to be given. These directions are issued to allay the sufferings of the family of the deceased. Appeal disposed of,” the bench held.
