NHRC Kanoongo Raises Objection Against Delhi Facility Over Alleged ₹1 Lakh Demand for Releasing Body; Hospital Rejects Claim
A distressing situation unfolded at a super speciality hospital in New Delhi after a grieving family alleged that the body of their loved one was not handed over due to a pending hospital bill. The issue caught the attention of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo, who stepped in personally to address the matter.
Kanoongo said the patient, a resident of Madhya Pradesh, died within 24 hours of being admitted. The family claimed they had already paid ₹2 lakh, but were asked to deposit another ₹1 lakh before the hospital would release the body.
Calling the hospital’s conduct “inhuman,” Kanoongo said such practices reflect a troubling mindset within parts of the healthcare system. In a post on X, he shared that although it was a government holiday and the NHRC office was closed, he went to the hospital after being informed of the incident. After explaining the legal position and government guidelines to the hospital authorities, the body was finally handed over to the family.
