J&K&L High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance Of News Report On Cardiac Services Collapse At Jammu Super Speciality Hospital
LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK
9 Dec 2025 7:45 PM IST
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Monday initiated suo motu proceedings after taking note of a news report indicating a complete shutdown of cardiac procedures at the Government Super Speciality Hospital (GSSH), Jammu, owing to suspension of life-saving medical supplies over unpaid dues under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme.
The development occurred during the hearing of four long pending Public Interest Litigations seeking directions for strengthening medical infrastructure in the capital cities and for regulating private Nursing Homes and Health Centres in accordance with national guidelines.
The Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal noted that the issues raised were multifaceted and had remained unresolved for over a decade despite the filing of fifteen status/compliance reports by the authorities.
The Court had earlier requested Advocate S.S. Ahmed to assist as Amicus Curiae. He submitted that he had examined all petitions and the numerous orders passed therein, and sought time to collate the material and place before the Court a structured affidavit identifying the issues requiring adjudication.
However, the Bench was compelled to intervene urgently after the Amicus brought to its attention a report published in the Daily Excelsior highlighting the disruption of cardiac care services at GSSH. According to the report, suppliers of essential cardiac emergency devices including stents, pacemakers, balloons, and Cath Lab consumables had suspended supplies due to unpaid dues amounting to nearly ₹30 crore, resulting in the complete paralysis of Cath Lab operations.
Recording its concern, the Bench observed that the hospital ordinarily performs around twenty five cardiac procedures daily, but “owing to the current impasse not a single heart-related intervention could be conducted throughout the day, placing vulnerable cardiac patients at serious risk.” The Court described the situation as “highly sensitive”, necessitating immediate judicial oversight.
Accordingly, the Court directed the Registrar (Judicial) to register and place before the Bench, during the course of the day, a separate petition titled “Court on its own motion vs. Nemo” in public interest.
In view of the request of the Amicus Curiae, further proceedings in the existing PILs have been deferred to 29 December 2025.
Case Title: Citizens Forum Vs State of J&K & Ors
For Petitioners: M/s SS Ahmed & Supriya Chouhan Advocates.
For Respondents: Ms. Monika Kohli, Sr. AAG . Mr. Ravinder Gupta, AAG. Ms. Deepika Mahajan, Sr. Advocate with Ms. Insha, Advocate.