The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) headed by retired District Judge A.D.Salkar and comprising of Mr.J.A Keny has summoned the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and the Dean of Goa Medical College to appear on April 3rd to explain as to why the body of late Fr. Bismarque Dias is lying in the morgue at the Goa Medical College for over 16 months and the final rites yet not conducted.
The GHRC directions came after a complaint was filed pointing out that since 7th November 2015 the decomposed body of late Fr. Bismarque Dias who was found dead at St Estevam is languishing in the morgue of the Goa Medical College at Bambolim. 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, in the complaint it has been submitted that Fr Bismarque Dias who so 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. It is very distressing that for no reason the body of Fr Bismarque Dias remains consigned for over 16 months in the very unhygienic and regularly malfunctional morgue which is also infested with a huge brigade of rats and other rodents. Fr Bismarque Dias’s last rites cannot wait any longer and if nobody claims his body to hold the last rites it would be a social responsibility to ensure that his human right is not any further violated. Attention of the GHRC was drawn 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. The State Government cannot shy away from its duty in ensuring the disposal of the body and is duty bound to conduct the last rites according to the religious customs of the deceased or his last wishes if any. The Goa Medical College having Rules and Standing Instructions for disposal of a cadaver, such kind of disrespect to late Fr Bismarque Dias cannot be tolerated a moment longer. In the complaint it has been sought that the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and the Dean of Goa Medical College be directed to explain as to what steps they plan to take to ensure that the mortal remains of the late Fr Bismarque Dias are laid to rest. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: airesrodrigu...@gmail.com Or airesrodrig...@yahoo.com You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com