An application for judicial review has been granted by the High Court over a policy which applied the ‘cab-rank’ rule to burials.
The policy of Mary Hassell, senior coroner for inner North London, was put under scrutiny by Jewish funeral organiser Adath Yisroel Burial Society (AYBS). They sought a judicial review after a dispute with the family of an Orthodox Jewish man who passed away last year.
The organisation highlighted that under Jewish law, bodies should be buried on the day of the death or as close to this date as possible. On this basis, AYBS criticised the Hassell’s cab-rank policy as caused ‘unnecessary bureaucratic delays’.
Hassell stated that neither the religion of the deceased or of the family would lead to a death being prioritised.
It is this policy which has today been granted an application for judicial review.
Mr Justice Holman stated: This claim clearly raises issues of considerable importance to the Jewish and Muslim communities.’
He went on to acknowledge the extent of the decision’s application, stating that must apply to the whole of England and Wales.
