The National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC) India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that people of Kalbelia community staged a protest by placing a dead body on road demanding a designated place for burial of their kins in Barmer district of Rajasthan on 29^th December 2025.  Reportedly, Kalbelias follow the Nath tradition under which their dead kins are buried and not cremated. But unlike designated cremation grounds or graveyards for other communities, no burial grounds have been allocated for Kalbelia community by the administration.

The Commission has observed that the content of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of human rights violation. Therefore, it has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

The Commission is of the view that it is the duty of the State to uphold the dignity and protect the rights of the dead. Earlier in May 2021, the Commission had issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories on upholding the dignity and protecting the rights of the dead.

According to the media report, carried on 30^th December 2025, the grieving Kalbelia families are generally forced to bury their dead on private lands due to lack of designated places. Hence, they face resistance, abuse and many times even eviction.

*****

NSK

(Release ID: 2220273) Visitor Counter : 185