The Telangana High Court on Thursday expressed strong displeasure with the state government for submitting an incomplete counter-affidavit in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the death of a patient suffering from kidney and other ailments at the Civil Hospital in Mahabubabad district.
Background of the Case
The deceased, identified as Ravi from Jayyaram village in Chinnaguduru mandal, had visited the hospital in October 2025. According to the PIL, the hospital allegedly denied him treatment because he did not possess an Aadhaar card and was not accompanied by any attendant. The man was reportedly left abandoned on the hospital premises, where he remained unconscious for three days. On the fourth day, he was presumed dead and shifted to the mortuary. However, sanitation staff at the mortuary noticed signs of movement and rushed him back for treatment, but he later succumbed to his ailments.
Court's Observations
During the hearing, the state government informed the court that it did not insist on the patient's Aadhaar card or an attendant. The bench, however, took note of this and questioned the state counsel about the details it had sought on an earlier occasion. The court had previously directed the state to file a comprehensive policy and guidelines regarding medicare facilities.
“We asked you to file comprehensive policy and guidelines as regards to medicare facilities, but that is not filed. The counter is confined only to the Aadhaar issue. Why is that? Do we have to make a request again?” the bench asked, before adjourning the matter for further hearing.
Earlier Court Directions
In December 2025, the High Court had described the incident as depicting “serious lacunae in providing medicare facilities to the residents of the state, which is treated to be one of the facets of Article 21 of the Constitution i.e., the right to life.” The court had then directed the government to file a counter-affidavit detailing a comprehensive policy decision and guidelines for providing medicare facilities, especially to persons suffering from serious diseases.
Next Steps
The court has adjourned the matter for further hearing, giving the state government an opportunity to comply with its earlier directive. The bench made it clear that it expects a thorough response covering all aspects of medicare policy, not just the Aadhaar issue.
