The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted bail to the registered proprietor of a firm supplying diethylene glycol (a toxic solvent) and a medical representative engaged in selling packaged Coldriff cough syrup, which resulted in the death of as many as 30 children in the State. [2026 LiveLaw (MP) 247]

Shailesh Pandiya, the proprietor, contended that he merely purchased diethylene glycol and was not involved in manufacturing of the chemical.

Satish Verma, the medical representative, contended that he was merely selling the manufacturer's sealed pack of Coldriff Syrup and had no knowledge regarding the safety of the medicine.

The counsel appearing for the State opposed both bail applications.

The court in Pandiya's application noted that the primary allegation was regarding the supply of the diethylene glycol. It noted that the article is used for three purposes, including food grade, industrial and pharmaceutical use. The court noted that Pandey was the supplier of food-grade and not a pharmaceutical article.

The bench of Justice Ajay Kumar Nirankari, upon examining the facts and circumstances of the cases, granted bail to both men. It directed;

"(in Pandiya's application) Having considered the facts that applicant is neither manufacturer neither article has been supplied is sub standard, this Court finds it fit to release the applicant on bail. Therefore, without expressing any opinion on merits of the case, the application is allowed... (In Verma's application) Having considered the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court finds it fit to release the applicant on bail. Therefore, without expressing any opinion on merits of the case, the application is allowed".

In February 2026, the court denied bail applications of Dr Praveen Soni, who was a Child Specialist Doctor and a pharmacist, for their involvement in the prescription and sale of the said syrup. While rejecting the bail application, the court noted that the syrup led to the death of 33 children in 1998 due to DEG-contamination.