In the dynamic landscape of pluralistic societies like India, where diverse religions and varying religious-cultural practices span across different regions, rites and rituals play a vital role in human civilization as expressions of cultural, religious, and social traditions. However, the far-reaching impact of the COVID-19 pandemic transcended religious and cultural boundaries, affecting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, necessitating the adoption of specific positions to foster a scientific temperament. Despite this context, the recent COVID-19 pandemic in India witnessed the dishonoring of last rites for COVID-19 victims by the healthcare as well as administrative system, sparking profound questions about the treatment of the deceased and the collective conscience of humanity. Instances of dead bodies found floating in rivers highlighted the failure to provide minimum dignity to the departed. The Supreme Court emphasized the government’s responsibility to ensure proper last rites according to respective religions, yet recurrent failures have been evident. In this article, we explore the ethical, moral, and practical dimensions surrounding the violation of last rites during India’s deadly second wave of the pandemic in 2021, reflecting on the balance between public health considerations and respecting religious and cultural practices that bring solace and closure to bereaved families. This prompts the authors to reflect on the need for proactive measures, increased coordination, and resource allocation during crises. Addressing last rites violations requires both government and public involvement, and the proposed strategies for collaboration include guidelines for safe and respectful rituals during crises, awareness campaigns, and partnerships between religious and scientific communities. By engaging stakeholders and fostering dialogue, a framework that upholds the dignity of the deceased while safeguarding public health can be established. Additionally, this article delves into the health implications and ecological concerns linked to the improper disposal of dead bodies, which pose serious risks and contaminate water sources, endangering public health. Through a comprehensive analysis, this work sheds light on the violation of last rites during the COVID-19 pandemic in India, contributing to the ongoing discourse on maintaining dignity during crises, enhancing pandemic preparedness, and navigating public health challenges.

在像印度这样的多元化社会的动态景观中，不同地区有不同的宗教和不同的宗教文化习俗，仪式和仪式作为文化、宗教和社会传统的表达，在人类文明中发挥着至关重要的作用。然而，COVID-19大流行的深远影响超越了宗教和文化界限，影响了来自不同背景的个人和家庭，需要采取特定的立场来培养科学气质。尽管如此，最近在印度发生的 COVID-19 大流行见证了医疗保健和行政系统对 COVID-19 受害者的最后仪式的侮辱，引发了人们对死者待遇和人类集体良知的深刻质疑。在河流中发现漂浮尸体的例子凸显了未能为死者提供起码的尊严。最高法院强调政府有责任根据各自的宗教确保适当的最后仪式，但一再发生的失败是显而易见的。在本文中，我们探讨了 2021 年印度致命的第二波大流行期间违反最后仪式的伦理、道德和实践层面，反思了公共卫生考虑与尊重带来安慰和结束的宗教和文化习俗之间的平衡致失去亲人的家人。这促使作者反思危机期间采取积极措施、加强协调和资源分配的必要性。解决临终仪式违规行为需要政府和公众共同参与，拟议的合作战略包括危机期间安全和尊重的仪式指南、宣传活动以及宗教界和科学界之间的伙伴关系。通过让利益相关者参与并促进对话，可以建立一个维护死者尊严、同时保障公众健康的框架。此外，本文还深入探讨了与尸体处置不当相关的健康影响和生态问题，这些问题造成严重风险并污染水源，危及公众健康。通过全面分析，这项工作揭示了印度 COVID-19 大流行期间违反最后仪式的情况，有助于持续讨论在危机期间维护尊严、加强大流行防范和应对公共卫生挑战。