The Kerala High Court on January 15 refused to halt the exhumation of Gopan Swami’s body, a retired headload worker who reportedly attained ‘Samadhi’ on January 9, 2025. The decision was based on ongoing police investigations into his death under suspicious circumstances.
Court Questions Cause of Death
Justice C.S. Dias asked the family about the cause of Gopan Swami’s death and whether his death had been officially registered. The judge noted that the death certificate was not produced and declined interim relief to stop the exhumation.
Family Cites Religious Beliefs
The family argued that Gopan Swami was a saint who had attained spiritual liberation (Samadhi) and that burying him was part of their religious practice. They claimed exhumation would violate their fundamental rights under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
Police Investigate Suspicious Death
Neighbors alerted the police about suspicious circumstances surrounding Gopan Swami’s death. The police registered an FIR under the Kerala Police Act and ordered the body’s exhumation for further investigation. The court stated that police have the authority to investigate deaths that suggest reasonable suspicion of homicide.
The case has been adjourned to next week for further proceedings.
