Family member to take possession of dead body

It shall be the duty of the family member to take possession of the dead body and to ensure that the last rites are performed when handed over by the police or the Executive Magistrate or hospital administration, after due compliance of legal procedure provided under this Act or any other law for the time being in force: Provided that in the event of refusal by family member to take the dead body thereby depriving it of last rites, the Executive Magistrate shall ensure that the last rites are performed immediately: Provided further that in the event of breaking out of an epidemic or occurrence of any calamity, where the dead body of the person cannot be handed over to the family member, the Government shall issue guidelines for disposal of such dead body.