Lawyers Allege Medical Negligence, Suspend Court Work in Protest
Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court Bar Association (HCBA) has demanded strict action against doctors and staff of Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital, Prayagraj, alleging medical negligence in the treatment of a young woman lawyer who later died while undergoing treatment at a Lucknow hospital.
The lawyer, who was practising at the Allahabad High Court, succumbed to injuries sustained in a road accident and passed away on Monday morning at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow, after battling for life for nearly 18 days.
Following the news of her death, the HCBA convened an emergency meeting and resolved to abstain from judicial work after lunch as a mark of protest and mourning. The association also passed a resolution seeking strict action against those allegedly responsible for negligence in her treatment.
Allegations of Negligence and Misbehaviour at SRN Hospital
According to the HCBA, the injured lawyer was initially admitted to SRN Hospital on May 20 after the road accident. The association alleged that her attendants were “badly manhandled” by doctors and hospital staff and that there were serious lapses in her medical treatment.
The patient was later shifted to a private hospital on May 21 and subsequently referred to SGPGI, Lucknow, where she remained under treatment until her death.
Lawyers claim that the circumstances surrounding her treatment point to gross medical negligence and administrative failure at the government-run hospital.
Protest Against Doctors and Hospital Administration
The incident had earlier triggered tensions between members of the legal fraternity and hospital authorities. Lawyers staged protests and a dharna at SRN Hospital, demanding action against doctors and staff accused of negligence and misconduct towards the victim’s family.
The agitation was temporarily withdrawn after authorities reportedly assured the legal community that action had been initiated against those found guilty of dereliction of duty.
However, following the lawyer’s death, demands for accountability have intensified.
HCBA Writes to High Court, Seeks Accountability
The HCBA has sent a copy of its resolution to the Chief Justice and the Senior Vacation Judge of the Allahabad High Court, alleging that the case represents a clear instance of medical negligence.
Another lawyers’ body associated with the High Court also expressed condolences over the advocate’s death and supported the demand for strict action against those responsible.
Lawyers Continue Demonstrations
A section of lawyers staged a dharna near Ambedkar Crossing, close to the Allahabad High Court, demanding that authorities publicly disclose the names of doctors who were reportedly suspended following the incident.
Protesters stated that their agitation would continue until appropriate legal and disciplinary action is taken against all individuals found responsible.
Meanwhile, lawyers at the Prayagraj District Court also held demonstrations and raised slogans against SRN Hospital doctors, accusing them of negligence that allegedly contributed to the death of the young advocate.
Growing Concerns Over Patient Care in Government Hospitals
The controversy has reignited concerns over patient care standards, accountability, and the treatment of patients’ families in government hospitals. Legal bodies have called for a transparent investigation into the incident and have urged authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
