State Prisons Rules, 1971

Body to remain suspended for half an hour and taken down only after medical officer has certified death.

1. Adult male relatives of the convict may be allowed in enclosure (at jail SP’s discretion)

2. If the body is not taken by relatives, the jail can donate it to a government hospital

Model Prison Manual, 2003
Must be present: Superintendent, deputy, assistant superintendent-in-charge, medical officer, executive magistrate.

Can be present: Priest of prisoner’s faith, if he desires and if superintendent allows. Superintendent may also let in social scientists, psychologists, psychiatrists, etc.

Paperwork: Superintendent, deputy, executive magistrate, medical officer will visit prisoner, read out death warrant in his mother tongue; any documents requiring signature, such as will, to be signed.

Attire: Hands of convict to be tied behind back, cotton cap with flap on face just before he enters gallows, which he must not see.

After death: Body to remain suspended for half an hour and taken down only after medical officer has certified death.

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The body: If relatives make a written application for performing last rites, superintendent may at his discretion allow it — subject to an undertaking they will not make a public demonstration; body to be taken out with all solemnity.

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