It is said, death is a great leveller. A solemn truth.

There is no material produced to show, Chhindwada Gram Panchayat has in any manner prescribed, the burial ground at Karkapal to be the burial ground for Christians from Chhindwada. Furthermore, no material has been produced to support, the graveyard in Chhindwada has been designated for exclusive use for members of the Hindu community nor has any material been supplied to suggest such custom. The declaration by ASP, Bastar is unfortunate. To my mind, it is nothing but a violation of Article 14 and Article 15(1).

Ramesh Baghel shall be permitted to conduct funeral rites of Late Subhash Baghel in his private agricultural land at Chhindwada. However, Ramesh Baghel shall not take any advantage, legally or otherwise, for having been permitted to bury Late Subhash Baghel in his private land.

Respondent-State is directed to demarcate exclusive sites as graveyards for burial of Christians throughout Chhattisgarh in accordance with law. This is issued having regard to Rule 5 and Rule 8 of The Chhattisgarh Gram Panchayat (Regulating Places for Disposal of Dead Bodies, Carcasses and Other Offensive Matter) Rules, 1999.

– Hon’ble Justice B.V. Nagarathna, Ramesh Baghel v. State of Chhattisgarh, [Special Leave Petition (Civil) No.1399 of 2025].

I am unable to appreciate a need to exercise our equitable jurisdiction under Article 142 and permit Ramesh Baghel to bury remains of Late Subhash Baghel on his private land. Ramesh Baghel be provided with an appropriate site at Karkapal.

– Hon’ble Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, Ramesh Baghel v. State of Chhattisgarh, [Special Leave Petition (Civil) No.1399 of 2025].

“We agree“. Karkapal it would be.