MP High Court Denies Bail to Doctor and Wife in Tragic Cough Syrup Deaths Case
The Madhya Pradesh High Court delivered a significant ruling on Tuesday, firmly rejecting the bail application of Dr Praveen Soni, a pediatrician from Parasia town in Chhindwara district, and his wife Jyoti Soni. The couple stands accused in the deeply distressing Chhindwara cough syrup case, which has been linked to the tragic deaths of approximately 25 children.
Court Cites Serious Allegations and Public Sensibilities
Justice Pramod Agarwal, presiding over the bench, dismissed the bail plea with strong remarks. The court noted that Dr Soni allegedly learned about adverse reactions to the syrup in children but continued prescribing it, possibly motivated by receiving a 'commission.' Justice Agarwal emphasized, "If the accused are given bail in such a serious and sensitive matter, public sensibilities would be hurt." This statement underscores the gravity of the allegations and the court's commitment to justice in a case that has shocked the community.
Details of the Tragic Incident and Medical Negligence
The case revolves around children in parts of Chhindwara district who presented with mild cough and fever symptoms. Dr Praveen Soni prescribed them Coldrif syrup, which was predominantly purchased from the pharmacy operated by his wife, Jyoti Soni. After consuming the syrup, the children's conditions deteriorated rapidly, leading to acute kidney failure between September and October 2025.
Despite urgent medical interventions and transfers to specialized hospitals in Nagpur and other cities, more than 25 children ultimately succumbed to their illnesses. Subsequent laboratory analyses confirmed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic industrial chemical, in the syrup. The contaminated batch circulated through the supply chain without adequate checks before the state government imposed a ban.
Legal Framework and Regulatory Violations
The state government's counsel informed the court that a case has been registered under Section 105 and 276 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with provisions of the Drug & Cosmetic Act. This followed a complaint filed by Dr Ankit Sehlam, the block medical officer at the Parasia Community Health Centre. Notably, Dr Soni prescribed the syrup to children as young as 3-4 years old, contravening a circular issued by the Director General of Health Services and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, which prohibits its use for children under four years of age.
Government laboratory reports revealed alarming findings: the syrup contained 46.28% dithiolene glycol, drastically exceeding the permissible limit of 0.1%. This stark violation highlights severe lapses in drug safety standards. Furthermore, despite warnings from senior doctor Dr Praveen Khapekar, Dr Soni allegedly continued to prescribe the contaminated syrup, exacerbating the tragedy.
Court's Final Decision and Broader Implications
After thorough hearings from both the defense and prosecution, the Madhya Pradesh High Court concluded that the evidence and circumstances warranted the rejection of bail for Dr Praveen Soni and Jyoti Soni. This ruling not only addresses the immediate legal aspects but also sends a strong message about accountability in healthcare and pharmaceutical practices. The case continues to unfold, with ongoing investigations into the supply chain and regulatory failures that allowed such a dangerous product to reach vulnerable patients.
