Delhi High Court Asks Nursing Council To Consider Setting Up Grievance Redressal Mechanism For Nurses
The Delhi High Court has asked the Indian Nursing Council to consider establishing a grievance redressal mechanism for nurses, while disposing of a public interest litigation highlighting the absence of an effective system to address complaints within the profession.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia was hearing a PIL filed by the Indian Professional Nurses Association, which raised concerns over the lack of a mechanism for addressing grievances faced by nursing professionals.
The petition also pointed out that despite existing circulars issued by the Indian Nursing Council prohibiting the imposition of service bonds on students, several institutions were allegedly continuing such practices.
During the hearing, counsel for the Nursing Council submitted that steps were being taken to ensure compliance with the relevant circulars.
However, the Court observed that the issue of establishing a proper grievance redressal mechanism required consideration. It thus directed,
“...for establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism where complaints may be dealt with appropriately, the petitioner may represent its cause by making an appropriate representation to the Secretary of the Indian Nursing Council taking all the pleas which may be available to it and enclosing therewith all the documents on which the petitioner intends to rely on.”
The Court further emphasised that while deciding the representation, the Council must seriously consider the need for setting up a grievance redressal mechanism to ensure that complaints are effectively addressed and communicated to the complainants.
Appearance: Mr. Joe Sebastian, Adv. for Petitioner; Mr. V.S.R.Krishna, Adv. for R-2.
Case title: Indian Professional Nurses Association v. Union Of India Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare & Anr.
Case no.: W.P.(C) 17941/2025