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The passing of veteran CPI(M) leader M.M. Lawrence has sparked a family dispute over the disposition of his remains. While two of Lawrence's children, M.L. Sajeevan and Sujatha Boban, expressed their willingness to donate their father's body for medical education, citing it as his wish, their sister, Asha Lawrence, has vehemently objected to this decision. This disagreement has led to a legal battle, with the Kerala High Court intervening to resolve the matter.
The high court has instructed the Principal of the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) in Ernakulam to consider Asha Lawrence's objections and hear all three children before making a final decision regarding the donation. The MCH authorities have taken possession of the body to preserve it while the legal proceedings unfold. The conflict arose after Lawrence's two children provided a consent letter to the medical college, stating their agreement to donate the body. However, Asha Lawrence contends that her siblings' decision was made without her consent and that there is no documentary evidence to support the claim that their father wished to donate his body.
Asha Lawrence's legal counsel highlighted that the deceased was a member of a parish, suggesting that he might have held different religious beliefs regarding body disposition. In contrast, the counsel for the other two children presented affidavits affirming Lawrence's desire to donate his body to the medical college. This dispute reflects the complexities surrounding end-of-life decisions, particularly when family members have differing opinions regarding the deceased's wishes. The court's intervention underscores the importance of clear communication and documentation regarding such sensitive matters, especially when dealing with potential medical donations.