India, May 10 -- The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Friday issued orders to all private hospitals, nursing homes, and medical establishments within its jurisdiction stating that under no circumstances, dead bodies should be held hostage over unpaid bills or other reasons.

"In case of a patient's death, after completing the necessary medico-legal procedures, the body must be handed over to the relatives. In no circumstances should the body be withheld for non-payment of dues or any other reason," said Dr Suryakant Devkar, assistant health officer of PMC.

The letter issued by PMC's health department stated that private hospitals and nursing homes within PMC's jurisdiction are granted registration under the provisions of the Bombay Nu...