NHRC issues notice to Rajasthan government over burial rights demand by Kalbelia community

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday (January 29, 2026) issued a notice to the Rajasthan government over recent protests by the Kalbelia community, who placed a dead body on the road, demanding a designated place for the burial of their kin in Barmer district.

Kalbelias follow the Nath tradition, under which their dead kin are buried and not cremated. But unlike designated cremation grounds or graveyards for other communities, no burial grounds have been allocated for Kalbelia community by the administration, the Commission’s communique read.

Serious human rights violation

The Commission stated that it is the duty of the State to uphold the dignity and protect the rights of the dead, and denial of burial space is a serious issue of human rights violation. It further issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

Earlier in May 2021, the Commission had issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories on upholding the dignity and protecting the rights of the dead.