Family Feud Over CPI(M) Leader Lawrence's Body Donation Decision

The death of CPI(M) leader M M Lawrence sparked a dramatic dispute. His daughter, Asha, opposed the family's decision to donate his body to a medical college, leading to legal action and public protests. The Kerala High Court ruled in favor of the donation, following Lawrence's expressed wishes.

Dramatic scenes unfolded at the Ernakulam town hall on Monday as the mortal remains of CPI(M) leader M M Lawrence were kept for public homage. His daughter, Asha, protested the decision to hand over his body to the Government Medical College Hospital.

Asha moved the Kerala High Court to challenge her siblings' decision. The court directed the Kalamassery Medical College authorities to consider the objections and act according to the Kerala Anatomy Act. The college was instructed to preserve the body in the mortuary for the time being.

Amidst chanting CPI(M) workers, Asha and her BJP-sympathizing son were forcefully removed from the casket by Lawrence's relatives. The court upheld that Lawrence had orally expressed his wish to donate his body, as noted in affidavits filed by his other children. Eventually, the body was taken to the medical college, aligning with Lawrence's last wishes. Senior political leaders paid their respects earlier in the day.

(With inputs from agencies.)