SC re-fixes FR petitions of Muslims, Christians challenging cremation of their Covid-19 victims

By Chitra Weerarathna

The Supreme Court on August 9 re-fixed for support on November 26, the fundamental rights violation petitions filed by Muslims and Christians protesting against the order of the Health Ministry to cremate all victims of Covid-19 regardless of their religious faiths.

 Notice had to be re-issued on the newly appointed Director General Health Services and the Secretary to the Ministry of Health.

 The Muslims and Christians have said that it is a violation of their religious freedom to be cremated.

The health authorities have claimed that they wanted the remains of Covid-19 victims cremated so as to destroy the highly communicable virus. Altogether nine petitions have been filed.

Counsel Faizer Mustapha and Viran Corea are among the lawyers who appeared for the Muslims and Christians respectively.

The bench comprised Justice Sisira de Abrew, Justice S. Thurairajah and Justice L.T.B. Dehideniya.