Seeks Action Taken Report on Hospitals Operating in Violation of Safety Norms Across Jabalpur
Bhopal | In the wake of the New Life Multi-Speciality Hospital fire in Jabalpur, which claimed eight lives, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed that the investigative committee’s report be submitted to the police for further action. The court also sought a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) on hospitals operating in violation of safety regulations in Jabalpur.
The directive was issued by a division bench of Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait and Justice Vivek Jain during a hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Vishal Baghel, president of the Law Students’ Association.
Fire Exposed Gaps in Hospital Safety Compliance
The PIL pointed out that the New Life Hospital, where the fire broke out, had been granted operating permission despite grave safety violations, including lack of emergency exits, which critically hampered evacuation efforts. At the time of the fire, patients and staff were trapped inside, leading to chaos and multiple fatalities.
Allegations of Regulatory Lapses
According to the petition, 65 new hospitals were allowed to start operations in Jabalpur during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of which did not comply with fire safety regulations or the National Building Code. Several were constructed on plots with inappropriate land use permissions, and permissions were granted without physical verification.
One of the most damning revelations in the petition was that Dr. LN Patel and Dr. Nishesh Chaudhary had recommended New Life Hospital’s registration without inspecting the premises, as confirmed by a report submitted by the Divisional Commissioner’s Committee.
Government Response and Ongoing Crackdown
The state government told the court that it has already started taking action against erring hospitals, and two hospital registrations have recently been canceled. Authorities are also investigating irregularities in the issuance of licenses.
In a separate case, four doctors associated with the hospital were booked under IPC Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) after it was revealed that New Life Hospital’s fire NOC had expired.
Court’s Directions
The court directed:
- The Divisional Commissioner’s Committee report be handed over to the police for further investigation.
- An Action Taken Report (ATR) be filed detailing measures against non-compliant hospitals in Jabalpur.
The petitioner was represented by Advocate Alok Bagrecha.
