Exhumation

Exhumation is the term used when human or cremated remains are to be moved. The word Exhumation comes from the Latin and means in a very narrow sense “from the ground”. Exhumations are generally rare. They cannot happen without having the necessary legal authorisation. It is important to point out that it is unlawful to disturb any human remains (this also includes any cremated remains) without first obtaining the necessary lawful authority. A situation may arise that means the remains of someone you care about needs to be removed from their grave or burial plot.

There are many reasons why this might arise, it maybe that the families make a request for personal reasons. The relatives may wish to change from the original grave to another family plot in the same or different cemetery abroad. There could be a request for repatriation overseas to be buried in a family vault. It could even be a change from burial to cremation as a mode of disposal. Arrangements may take a very long time to finalise and it may entail a lot of official procedures, and rules and regulations. Bodies may be exhumed provided the required permits are obtained from the local magistrate. A statement/formal request from foreigner or their respected Embassy overseas is required to accompany the request for exhumation to indicate if the remains are being exhumed for reburial or cremation. ISAPL assists with Exhumation requests by coordinating with local authorities/ Embassies/ Government office in India. We acquire the necessary permissions from the local office.

The prospect and experience of an exhumation of interred (buried) remains of a deceased person can often be a very difficult time for the family and friends of the deceased person. It is only in strict circumstances that exhumation occurs. At all times during the process, due regard for respect to the deceased person and privacy for the family and friends of the deceased person is protected.

If you need more detailed advice you may call ISAPL 24X7 Hotline number at +91-011-46594412.

Blessings

My family and me are grateful to you and your staff, especially Ms Poonam who professionally and efficiently handled the entire logistic process of transporting the mortal remains of my mother from New Delhi.I congratulate you on having superb individuals on your team. Once again thanking you for all the assistance you and your team has rendered during my time in Delhi. With sincere thanks.

M. Singh

Thank you very much, Poonam. This has been a very trying time for us, and you have provided us with wonderful support during this ordeal. We are most grateful for all of your help with our request of Exhumation service. Thank you very much for the thoughtful selection of photos, Poonam. My wife and I hope we will have another opportunity to visit Delhi and see the new gravesite some time in the foreseeable future. Warmest regards.

Jim

We are pleased to inform you that the mortal remains arrived safely to my office. We shall work together when there is a case from our countries. Have a great day ahead.

Ang Director

I want to thank you for the great service that you provided. I am aware how very tedious such a procedure can be and had very bad experiences in the past, getting tied up in bureaucracy. With your help, it was fast and clean and the cost was extremely reasonable. I feel strongly that a service such as yours, helping people get through the system to get things done is very helpful and valuable. I have been living in India for over 30 years and wish I had the benefit of it earlier.

Kim

Thank you for all your help with arranging Neil’s cremation, and the subsequent sending of his ashes & other items back to Brisbane. Obviously if we had tried to handle everything on our own it would have been close to impossible; certainly much more difficult than it was with your assistance. As I am sure you can imagine, it was a distressing time for us, and to have such an important part of things looked after was a great relief to us. I hope I never have friends that are in such a situation, but if this eventuality occurred, I would not hesitate to recommend your services to them. Again, thanks from me, my wife & the rest of our family for your help..

Daryl Bending

Exhumation of interred remains might be required in below situations:

1) When a court orders an exhumation as part of a criminal investigation

2) For public health reasons (e.g. if a graveyard or cemetery is being moved)

3) For family reasons (if the family of the deceased person requests that the remains be moved to another burial ground or other part of the country, abroad, etc.).

Exhumation can a very expensive decision. Not only will there be the cost of the exhumation itself, but other costs relating to exhumations could be:

Exhumation Permission paperwork
Court Permission fees
Funeral directors charges which will include new coffins/Urns Cemetery
fees and charges
Re-burial costs
Transportation charges if in different States/Cities