The Kerala High Court has upheld the decision to hand over the body of veteran CPI(M) leader MM Lawrence for medical research, rejecting claims that the ruling was improper or perverse. Following his death in September, a dispute arose within his family regarding the final rites.
While Lawrence’s daughters sought a Christian burial for their father, his son argued that the late leader had explicitly wished for his body to be donated for medical research. A panel, considering the evidence, ruled in favor of body donation, a decision now affirmed by the High Court.
The court emphasized that the panel’s decision was well-reasoned and aligned with Lawrence’s known principles and wishes. The ruling highlights the importance of honoring personal autonomy in decisions regarding posthumous body donation, especially for a figure known for his lifelong commitment to social and public causes.
