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Muni cremated in open plot, BMC nod to follow!

It took about six months for the civic body to allow the cremation of a Jain shadhu (priest) on a private open ground in Ghatkopar.

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It took about six months for the civic body to allow the cremation of a Jain shadhu (priest) on a private open ground in Ghatkopar. After his cremation on January 11, the civic body has now permitted it post facto. However, the Vardhaman Sthanakwasi Jain Shravak Sangh, a community body, has now demanded that that a separate space be allotted to cremate Jain priests.

Janak Muni Maharaj Shaheb died at 77 on December 30, 2010. The Jain Sharvak Sangh wanted to cremate him on open land and not at the usual crematorium. The Shravak Sangh of Ghatkopar performed the last rites at Somaiya Trust Ground, Ghatkopar (East).

According to section 437 of the BMC Act, no can use private land, which is not being used for cremation, for such purpose. Only the civic commissioner has the power to allow such rites, assuming the civic general body’s permission.

The Hingwala Lane Shravak Sangh had asked permission from the civic ward office immediately after the priest’s death on December 30 last year, at 8.57am. It submitted documents showing ownership of the Somaiya Trust, along with a no-objection certificate from the Trust and local police, and Janak Muni’s death certificate. After submitting all the required documents, the Shravak Sangh completed the rituals.

Now, the health committee has approved the proposal in its meeting and the general body will finalise it on Wednesday.

According to the Jain Shravak Sangh, priests cannot be cremated at the usual crematorium since they are cremated in a sitting position. “While cremating any Jain priest, we need fresh land where no one has been cremated before. This is also a reason why we are demanding open space for this purpose,” Jain said.

Pravin Chheda, local corporator, also supported the Jain Shravak Sangh’s demand. “There is no provision for these priests in the BMC’s crematorium. So they have to provide the facility or make available a separate place,” Chheda said.

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