Even as the BMC has informed the Bombay HC that the novel Coronavirus cannot be transmitted via dead bodies, Catholic families across the city have been finding it hard to bury their deceased COVID-19 positive relatives at the Sewri Cemetery.

On June 12, the BMC had also issued a circular directing all Christian cemeteries across the city to accept bodies of COVID-19 patients. The circular had instructed health officers across 24 wards to allow the disposal of bodies, as per the guidelines laid down by the Central government. The same day, 59-year-old Mazagaon resident Richard Peters was admitted to St George Hospital's ICU after complaining of severe breathlessness; he was consequently found to be COVID positive and passed away the following day. On June 14, Peters became the first COVID-19 patient to be laid to rest under the new guidelines at Sewri Christian cemetery. Yet, authorities at the cemetery refused to offer service of the grave-diggers.