A retiring judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has stunned colleagues and the public alike after announcing in his farewell address that he will donate his entire body to medical science following his death. In the same emotional speech, he also pledged to contribute ₹1 crore to the PM Cares Fund, the emergency relief fund set up by the government of India.
The judge, who has served on the high court bench for many years, delivered the farewell speech at a ceremony attended by fellow judges, senior advocates, court officials, and members of his family. Speaking to the gathering, he expressed his gratitude for the career in the judiciary and shared his desire to give back to society even beyond his active service.
Body donation for scientific and medical education remains a relatively uncommon practice in India, where cultural and religious traditions typically emphasize burial or cremation according to established customs. The decision by a senior judicial officer to adopt this path has drawn significant attention and respect from the legal community.
Medical colleges and research institutions across India rely on body donations for training doctors, conducting anatomical research, and advancing healthcare. Several universities have formal body donation programmes, though awareness and acceptance remain limited among the general population.
In addition to the body donation pledge, the judge committed ₹1 crore to the PM Cares Fund, which was established to provide emergency assistance during national crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and other disaster situations. The contribution was described as a personal gesture of civic responsibility rather than an official court directive.
Senior lawyers and fellow judges praised the decision, calling it a rare example of selflessness from someone who dedicated decades to the legal profession. The announcement has sparked conversations about organ and body donation across social media and within legal circles in Madhya Pradesh.
Details regarding which medical institution may receive the body donation have not yet been publicly confirmed.
