Documents & practical guidance
When is a postmortem required, and how to get the report
Which deaths need a postmortem, what the police and hospital do, how long it holds up the cremation, and how the family gets the report.
- Official procedure
- Read it in a few minutes
One less thing to work out alone.
The short answer
A postmortem is ordered for unnatural or unexplained deaths - accident, suicide, poisoning, burns, violence or any death whose cause is unclear - as part of the police inquest under Section 194 of the BNSS (formerly Section 174 CrPC). A natural death certified by the treating doctor does not need one. After the postmortem, the police issue the NOC for the last rites, usually the same day if the doctor is available. The report is requested from the hospital that conducted it; some hospitals first ask for a police NOC.
The police (inquest) and the government hospital's forensic department
Usually the same day for the postmortem; the report takes longer
No fee for the postmortem; a nominal fee may apply for a certified copy of the report
Start here
What to do,
in order.
Work down the list. Each step assumes only that the one above it is done.
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The police are informed
For any unnatural or unexplained death, dial 112 or inform the local police station. Do not move the body until the police have seen it.
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The police conduct an inquest
An officer examines the body and the place, records the apparent cause of death and sends the body for postmortem - under Section 194 of the BNSS (formerly Section 174 CrPC). Some cases go to an Executive Magistrate instead, under Section 196 BNSS.
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The postmortem at a government hospital
It is carried out by the forensic department of a government hospital, usually the same day if the police surgeon is available and into the next day if not. Where the cause is obvious, the police or magistrate may decide one is not needed.
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Collect the NOC, then book the cremation
After the postmortem, the police issue a no-objection certificate for the last rites. No cremation ground will accept the body without it. If there will be a wait, a freezer box at home keeps the body meanwhile.
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Apply for the report
Apply to the medical superintendent or forensic department of the hospital that conducted it. Some hospitals ask for a police NOC first. The final report can take time, so keep the application receipt.
Before you leave the house
What to take
with you.
Gather these once and you will not be sent home for them.
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Photo ID of the deceased and of the family member
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The DD entry or FIR number from the police
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The inquest papers the police give you
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For the report: an application to the hospital, and a police NOC if asked
A little clarity
Common questions
If something here is still unclear, call us - someone answers at any hour.
When is a postmortem compulsory in India?
How long does a postmortem take?
How do we get the postmortem report in Delhi?
Can the family refuse a postmortem?
Where to go next
Related reading.
The other steps families usually need around this one.
If you would rather not do this yourself
We handle the paperwork.
It is part of every arrangement we make - the registrations, the certificates and the queueing. Ask us what is involved in your case.