New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting a protest by members of the Kalbelia community in Rajasthan’s Barmer district over the absence of a designated burial ground, terming the issue a serious concern of human rights violation.

Protest highlights long-standing burial Rights Issue

According to the media report dated December 30, 2025, members of the Kalbelia community staged a protest on December 29 by placing a dead body on the road in Barmer district, demanding allocation of a designated burial ground. The protest underscored the community’s long-pending demand for a lawful space to bury their dead.

Cultural practices of Kalbelia community

The Kalbelia community follows the Nath tradition, under which deceased members are buried rather than cremated. However, unlike other communities that have designated cremation grounds or graveyards, the Kalbelias have not been allotted any burial land by the local administration.

NHRC flags human rights concerns

Observing that the contents of the report, if true, indicate a grave violation of human rights, the NHRC has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan. The Commission has sought a detailed factual report on the matter within two weeks.

State’s duty to uphold dignity of the dead

The Commission reiterated that it is the responsibility of the State to protect the dignity and rights of the dead. It recalled that in May 2021, NHRC had issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories, stressing the need to uphold dignity and human rights even after death.

Forced burials on private land

The media report noted that due to the lack of designated burial grounds, grieving Kalbelia families are often compelled to bury their dead on private lands. This has reportedly led to resistance, verbal abuse and, in several cases, eviction, further aggravating their social vulnerability.