HC Seeks Clarity on Action Against Illegal Pathology Labs The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the Maharashtra government to provide detailed information on the regulatory framework and enforcement mechanisms for addressing illegal pathology laboratories. The court expressed concern that inaccurate diagnostic reports from unregulated labs could endanger patients’ health. A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Rajnish Vyas emphasized the need for clarity on procedures to identify and penalize laboratories operating without proper qualifications. The court was hearing a criminal public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Yavatmal-based social worker Digambar Pajgade, who alleged that thousands of pathology labs across Maharashtra are run by technicians holding Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) or Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology (CMLT) qualifications instead of qualified medical professionals. According to the petition, labs must be supervised by MBBS doctors or those with MD degrees in pathology, microbiology, or biochemistry. Pajgade argued that unreliable diagnostic reports could mislead treatment decisions and compromise patient safety. The government failed to present satisfactory details about existing regulations or enforcement actions against such labs during the hearing, prompting the court to criticize the lack of preparedness. The bench ordered the government to gather necessary information from relevant authorities and submit a comprehensive affidavit within a week. Officials informed the court that a new regulatory framework is being developed to address the issue, but the petitioner reiterated that only labs meeting prescribed qualifications should be legally permitted to operate.#maharashtra_government #bombay_high_court #digambar_pajgade #public_health_department #criminal_pil
