**Core Concept**
Exhumation is the process of digging up a buried body, typically for forensic or medical purposes. The ideal time to start exhumation is crucial in preserving the body's integrity and obtaining reliable post-mortem findings.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The ideal time to start exhumation is between 6-24 hours after death, depending on environmental factors. This timeframe is chosen to minimize putrefaction, which occurs due to bacterial action on the body's tissues. Putrefaction can lead to significant changes in the body's appearance, making it difficult to determine the cause and manner of death. The optimal time frame allows for a more accurate assessment of post-mortem changes, such as livor mortis, rigor mortis, and algor mortis.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Exhumation should not be delayed beyond 48 hours, as putrefaction can become severe and compromise the accuracy of post-mortem findings.
**Option B:** Exhumation can be performed immediately after death, but this is not ideal due to the risk of contamination and putrefaction.
**Option C:** Exhumation should be delayed until the body has undergone significant decomposition, which is not recommended as it can lead to inaccurate post-mortem findings.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In forensic medicine, the "golden time" for exhumation is between 6-24 hours after death, as it allows for the most accurate assessment of post-mortem changes and helps in determining the cause and manner of death.

**Correct Answer: B. Exhumation can be performed immediately after death, but this is not ideal due to the risk of contamination and putrefaction.**