Authority for removal of kidneys in case of unclaimed bodies in hospital or prison

(1) In the case of a dead body lying in a hospital or prison and not claimed by any of the near relatives of the deceased person, the authority for the removal of the kidneys from the dead body which so remains unclaimed may be given, subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), in the prescribed form, by the person in charge, for the time being, of the management or control of the hospital or prison or by an employee of such hospital or prison authorised in this behalf by the person in charge of the management or control thereof. (2) The authority referred to in sub-section (1) shall not be given except after the expiry of such time as may be prescribed. (3) No authority shall be given under sub-section (1) if the person empowered to give such authority has reason to believe that any near relative of the deceased person is likely to claim the dead body eventhough such near relative has not come forward to claim the body of the deceased person within the time specified. Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, "hospital" includes a nursing home, medical or teaching institution for therapeutic purposes or other like institution.