#Public Health Law

The Kerala High Court has ruled that no criminal complaint for medical negligence can proceed without a preliminary assessment by a constitutionally mandated District Level Expert Committee. This procedural safeguard ensures that allegations are vetted by medical experts before triggering criminal proceedings, protecting healthcare providers from frivolous FIRs while upholding the right to life and health under Article 21. The directive applies to all district medical officers and police authorities across Kerala.

MP High Court rules that beneficiaries of the Family Planning Indemnity Scheme are entitled to Rs. 30,000 compensation for sterilization failure, even if the claim is filed beyond the 90-day window. The court held that the state cannot deny compensation based on procedural delays, reinforcing statutory rights under public health welfare schemes.

Bombay High Court holds that selling pharmaceuticals under a wound-up company's name constitutes contempt of court and poses grave public health risks. The court directed impleadment of the ex-COO and appointed an amicus curiae to address unauthorized trade mark use and regulatory violations.

Madhya Pradesh High Court denies bail to drug wholesaler linked to 26 child deaths from DEG-contaminated cough syrup, emphasizing public health harm and evidence tampering.

The High Court of Telangana holds that authorities must act on complaints regarding unauthorized hospitals under the Telangana Clinical Establishments Act, 2010, reinforcing statutory compliance.