The Public and Third Sector Law Reports
[2010] PTSR 1003
Court of Appeal
Regina (Ghai) v Newcastle City Council (Ramgharia Gurdwara, Hitchin and others intervening)
[2009] EWHC 978 (Admin)
[2010] EWCA Civ 59
2009 March 24,
25,
26;
May 8
May 8
Cranston J
2010 Jan 18;
Feb 10
Feb 10
Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury MR, Moore-Bick, Etherton LJJ
Human rights— Right to manifest religion or belief— Interference with— Orthodox Hindu belief in necessity for cremation on open air pyre — Whether open air cremation prohibited by statute— Whether belief in necessity for open air cremation manifestation of religion or belief— Whether prohibition of open air cremation constituting interference with Convention right to manifest religion or belief— Whether interference justified —
Cremation Act 1902 (2 Edw 7, c 8), s 2
—
Human Rights Act 1998 (c 42), Sch 1, Pt I, art 9
—
Cremation (England and Wales) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/2841), reg 13
Local government— Powers— Crematoria, establishment of— Council’s refusal of claimant’s request for dedication of land for traditional Hindu open air funeral pyre — Claimant’s subsequent wish for cremation by traditional method within structure allowing sunlight to shine on body during cremation process— Crematorium defined as “building fitted with appliances for the purpose of burning human remains”— Whether “building” having wide or narrow meaning— Whether capable of accommodating Hindu cremation—
Cremation Act 1902 (2 Edw 7, c 8) (as amended by Cremation Act 1952 (c 31), s 2(1)(2)), ss 2, 5, 7
—
Cremation (England and Wales) Regulations 2008 (SI 2008/2841), reg 13