Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has issued important directions regarding private practice by government doctors in Uttar Pradesh. The court has directed the Director General of Medical Health and Family Welfare to take necessary steps to prevent government doctors from engaging in private practice. It also emphasized that monitoring compliance with the relevant rules should not be limited to a one-time exercise but must continue regularly.
A bench comprising Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Manjive Shukla passed the order while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Ankur Mishra. The court stressed the effective implementation of Rule 3 of the Uttar Pradesh Government Doctors (Allopathic) Restriction on Private Practice Rules, 1983.
Court Rejects NHM’s Objection
During the hearing, the National Health Mission (NHM) questioned the maintainability of the petition. Rejecting the objection, the court observed that instead of raising technical issues, the authorities should first examine whether government doctors are violating the rules prohibiting private practice.
The court said that if such violations are taking place, it is the responsibility of the concerned authorities to take appropriate steps to stop them.
The state government informed the court that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against some doctors in 2025. A few doctors had also been suspended. The court directed the authorities to place on record details of the final outcomes of these disciplinary proceedings.
Investigation Ordered into Death in Custody in Balrampur
During the same hearing, the court also considered the death of Ranjit Saini, a case linked to the Tulsipur Community Health Centre in Balrampur district.
A supplementary affidavit alleged that Saini’s health deteriorated while he was in police custody, but he was not provided immediate medical assistance.
According to the petition, he was confined to a room at the community health centre and allegedly did not receive proper medical treatment despite repeatedly asking for help. He died a few hours later.
Next Hearing Scheduled for December 21
The court was informed that police personnel Ramesh and Devashish Mishra had been suspended in connection with the incident. However, allegations were also raised that no action had been taken against health department employees and officials.
Taking note of the matter, the High Court directed the Director General to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report before the next hearing.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 21, 2026.
