A Comprehensive Analysis of the Various Guidelines Related to Medico-Legal Autopsy and Dead Body Management in Wake of Covid-19 Pandemic

Authors

  • Varun Modgil Dept. Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Govt. Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh Author
  • Dasari Harish Dept. Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Govt. Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh Author
  • Amandeep Singh Dept. Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Govt. Medical College & Hospital, Chandigarh Author

Keywords:

ICMR, Autopsy, Covid-19, WHO, Virtual autopsy

Abstract

The ICMR guidelines released recently have prescribed autopsy waiver in cases
of covid deaths. A reference has been made to section 174(3)(v) of CrPC justifying no
requirement for autopsy in cases of natural deaths due to Covid-19. Non invasive autopsy
including verbal autopsy protocol of WHO, external examination of the body and virtual autopsy
techniques have been cited as the modalities to replace traditional autopsy in such cases. This
article explores these options and some grey areas related to them. It aims to analyze and
make a critical appraisal of these guidelines vis a vis practical encumbrances attached.

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Published

2020-12-30

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 02 (2020): Journal of Indo-pacific Academy of Forensic Odontology

Section

Original Study/Original Research Article