Madhya Pradesh High Court Disposes Plea On Mukti Vahan Yojna: Helpline Exists, Spread Awareness

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has disposed of a public interest litigation seeking better implementation of the State’s free hearse van scheme, after noting that the government had already operationalised a dedicated toll-free helpline for the service. The court, however, emphasised that the authorities must ensure wider public awareness so that the benefit reaches those who need it most.

The bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf was hearing a petition filed by Rashid Noor Khan, who had sought directions to the State to establish and operationalise a toll-free helpline number for booking and coordinating hearse vans under the Mukti Vahan Yojna. The plea also urged integration of such services with existing emergency response systems under the National Health Mission, along with adequate publicity measures.

Appearing for the petitioner, advocates Akash Choudhary and Aryan Urmaliya contended that although around 148 hearse vans had been deployed across districts, the absence of a centralised helpline meant that the general public remained unaware of how to access the service. They argued that without proper coordination and information dissemination, the scheme risked becoming ineffective despite its humanitarian objective.

On the other hand, Government Advocate Anubhav Jain informed the court that a dedicated toll-free number had already been established for booking and coordinating hearse van services across the State. In light of this submission, the court noted that the primary grievance raised in the petition stood addressed.

Recording the State’s stand, the bench observed that “in view of the fact that respondent State authority has already complied with the prayer made by the petitioner, no further orders are called for in the petition.” The court nevertheless issued a significant direction underscoring the importance of awareness, stating that the State must give adequate publicity to the service through “tickers, radio messages and other methods.”

The Mukti Vahan Yojna is designed to provide free hearse van services, particularly benefiting economically weaker sections who may struggle to arrange transportation in times of bereavement. The availability of a single helpline number is expected to streamline access and reduce delays, making the service more responsive and humane.

With the petition now disposed of, the focus shifts to how effectively the State implements the court’s direction on publicity.

For now, the court’s intervention serves as a reminder that governance is not merely about creating facilities but also about making them accessible and known to the public, especially in moments of vulnerability where timely support becomes crucial.

Case Title: Rashid Noor Khan v. The State of Madhya Pradesh and Others

Date of Order: April 28, 2026

Bench: Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf