In medico-legal cases, a dead body is considered crucial evidence and must be handled with strict adherence to legal and medical protocols. Only authorized medical personnel are permitted to handle the body to ensure proper preservation of evidence, maintain the chain of custody, and prevent contamination or tampering. This safeguards the integrity of post-mortem examinations and legal investigations. Unauthorized handling by family or others can compromise forensic findings and legal proceedings. Authorized personnel follow established procedures for documentation, transport, and storage, which are vital for accurate medico-legal evaluation.

Reference: Principles of Forensic Medicine, K S Narayan Reddy, 4th Edition.