By Nurvo Ambulance team · Last updated
When a family member passes away, the paperwork can feel overwhelming at the worst possible time. This guide explains, in general terms, the documents families in Maharashtra are commonly asked for before a body can be moved, both within Mumbai and to another city or state.
Please read it as general information only. Requirements can differ between hospitals, municipal bodies, police stations, crematoriums and states, and rules can change. Always confirm the current requirements with the hospital, the local municipal ward office or the police, as relevant to your situation.
If the death happens in a hospital
When a person dies in a hospital, the hospital usually guides the family through the first steps. The doctor records the cause of death on a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), and in many cases the hospital informs the municipal authority so that the death can be registered. In Mumbai, deaths are registered with the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM).
Before the body is released, the hospital will normally ask the family to complete its own formalities, such as settling the bill and signing release papers. Ask the hospital clearly which documents you should collect and carry for the journey.
If the death happens at home
If someone passes away at home, a registered medical practitioner, often the family doctor, is usually needed to certify the death and its cause. The death then has to be reported to the local registrar, which in Mumbai is the municipal ward office.
Under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, a death should be reported within 21 days. Families typically receive the official death certificate from the municipal authority after registration; it is needed later for many legal and financial matters, so keep several copies.
Accidents and other medico-legal cases
If the death followed an accident, an injury, a suspected poisoning, or happened in unclear circumstances, it is usually treated as a medico-legal case. The police are involved, and a post-mortem examination may be required before the body is handed over to the family.
In these situations the body is normally released only after the police and hospital formalities are complete, and the family may be given papers such as a police no-objection certificate or a copy of the inquest record. Keep these with you; they may be asked for during transport, at the crematorium or burial ground, or at the destination.
Documents commonly asked for when moving a body within Mumbai
For local transport to a home, crematorium or burial ground, families are commonly asked to show:
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, or the doctor's certificate if the death happened at home
- The hospital's release or discharge papers, if the death happened in hospital
- The death registration slip or certificate, where already issued
- ID proof of the deceased and of the family member handling the formalities
- The police no-objection certificate, in medico-legal cases
Crematoriums and burial grounds may have their own requirements, so it helps to call them in advance and ask what they need to see.
Extra documents for transport to another city or state
For longer journeys, additional documents are often requested, especially when crossing state borders or using air transport. These commonly include:
- Copies of the death certificate or MCCD, and ID proofs, several sets
- An embalming certificate, if the body has been embalmed for a long journey
- A no-objection certificate from the police in medico-legal cases
- Any letter or permission the hospital or local authority provides for transport
- For air transport, the airline's own documents and packing requirements
Requirements vary, so confirm with the hospital, the local authority and, for air travel, the airline before you set off. Keep originals safe and carry photocopies for checks on the way.
Freezer box and embalming
For most local journeys, a dead body van with a freezer box keeps the body cool while the family completes formalities and travels to the funeral. For long road journeys over many hours, or for air transport, embalming is often advised or required. The hospital or a funeral service can explain whether it is needed in your case.
A practical checklist for families
In a stressful moment, these simple steps help:
- Nominate one family member to handle the paperwork and calls
- Ask the hospital or doctor exactly which documents to collect
- Keep originals in one folder and carry several photocopies
- Call the crematorium or burial ground to confirm their requirements and timing
- For outstation journeys, confirm the arrangements at the destination before leaving
- Save the contact numbers of the hospital, the police station (if involved) and the transport provider
How we can help
Nurvo Ambulance provides dead body vans with a freezer box across Mumbai and for outstation journeys, 24x7. We cannot issue certificates or permissions ourselves, but we are happy to explain the general process on the phone and to plan the journey around the formalities. Call 9930000788 when you are ready.
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Always follow the advice of the treating doctor, and confirm current requirements with the hospital or local authority. In a life-threatening emergency, call us on 9930000788 straight away. If you cannot reach us for any reason, call 108 or 112 immediately.