Unclaimed bodies to be used for anatomical examination

(1) Where a person under treatment in a hospital whether established by or vesting in, or maintained by, the Government or any local authority, dies in such hospital and his body is unclaimed, the authorities incharge of such hospital shall, with the least practicable delay report the fact to the authorised officer and such officer shall then hand over the unclaimed body to the authorities in charge of an approved institution for the purpose of conducting anatomical examination, dissection and removal of healthy organs for transplantation. (2) Where a person dies at a hospital other than a hospital referred to in subsection (1) or in a prison and his body is unclaimed, the authorities incharge of such hospital or prison shall, with the least practicable delay, report the fact to the authorised officer; and the said officer shall hand over the unclaimed body to the authorities in charge of an approved institution for the purpose specified in sub-section (1). (3) Where a person having no permanent place of residence in the area where his death has taken place dies in any public place in such area and his body is unclaimed, the authorised officer shall take possession of the body and shall hand over to the authorities in charge of an approved institution for the purpose specified in sub-section (1). (4) Where in any case mentioned in sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) above the authority incharge of an approved institution certifies that an unclaimed body is not fit for anatomical examination or dissection or is not otherwise required for that purpose, the authorised officer shall dispose it of by cremation or burial on Government expenses.