Rajasthan High Court: In a civil writ petition addressing delays and deficiencies in healthcare services and infrastructure development of AIIMS Jodhpur, a Division Bench of Munnuri Laxman and Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati, JJ., expressed shock over the 16-year delay in shifting high-tension lines and considered imposing a ₹50 crore cost on the State of Rajasthan for gross negligence.
Brief Facts
The instant matter revolves around significant delays and deficiencies in the infrastructure development of AIIMS Jodhpur, which was established in 2014 under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna to address regional imbalances in tertiary healthcare. Critical projects, including the construction of a trauma center spanning 54,358 sq. meters, have been hindered due to the State Government’s failure to remove high-tension power lines and address other logistical challenges. The institution also faced issues like water contamination and spatial constraints that impact its operational efficiency and patient care.
Moot Point
The delay in construction of trauma centre, spanning 54,358 square meters, due to the State Government’s inability to remove high-tension electrical lines.
The issue of water contamination in the AIIMS is having an adverse impact upon the institution’s operational efficiency and patient care standards by endangering the health of residents at the institution.
The possibility of transferring Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI’s) land to AIIMS as a potential solution to its existing spatial constraints by determining the feasibility of relocating CAZRI to an alternative site.
The exploration of a short-term parking solution by potentially utilizing the existing diesel shed adjacent to AIIMS as an alternative location.
The possibility of utilizing the recently vacated and currently unoccupied HPCL Campus which was relocated in March 2024, to support AIIMS’s infrastructure requirements.
The potential relocation of Transport Nagar from its current high-density population area, with considerations for leveraging its infrastructure to support AIIMS’s ongoing expansion of medical and health facilities.
Parties’ Contentions
The petitioner (representing AIIMS) contended that the delays in removing high-tension lines, despite repeated requests since 2009, has obstructed the construction of a much-needed trauma center, thereby, violating the citizens’ fundamental right to health under Article of the . It was contended that the lack of adequate infrastructure compromised AIIMS’s ability to function effectively and provide timely healthcare services.
However, the State contended that steps are taken to address these issues, including issuing tenders and preparing work schedules for relocating the high-tension lines. It was further contended that for the relocation of Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) or use of other facilities like the HPCL campus and Transport Nagar, careful deliberation and cooperation between state and central agencies is required.
Court’s Observation
“Article of the , guarantees to all Right to life and personal liberty. Here “life” refers to a humane life, not just a life of survival or animal existence. This right encompasses within its ambit various other corollary rights which are essential to ensure a dignified and a meaningful life.”
The Court asserted that the Right to Health is a facet of the Right to Life under Article of the . The Court noted that the Supreme Court in Parmanand Katara v. Union of India, 1989 SCR (3) 997, recognised health as integral to life under Article 21. The Court further noted that Article 25 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights ensures the right to an adequate standard of living, including health care. The Court emphasised that India being a welfare State, it is the state’s duty to ensure timely healthcare infrastructure for the welfare of the public at large. The Court stated that
“Preamble to the Constitution read with Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined therein, highlights the Constitutional intendment to ensure a dignified and healthy life to all and thereby puts a duty upon the State to take necessary steps in order to facilitate the securement and promotion of the fundamental right to health of its citizenry.”
Court’s Direction
The Court expressed shock over the 16-year delay in shifting high-tension lines and considered imposing a ₹50 crore cost on the State of Rajasthan for gross negligence. However, the State was given one final opportunity to file an affidavit explaining the delay and proposing immediate action. The Court directed –
Immediate steps must be taken by the District Collector and State authorities to ensure a permanent solution to water contamination at AIIMS Jodhpur.
The Ministry of Agriculture, CAZRI, and the State must collaborate to explore relocating CAZRI and providing alternate land for its research while allocating part of its current land to AIIMS and submit a report on the feasibility of transferring land to AIIMS.
For exploring the use of the HPCL campus and the diesel shed for short-term relief while Transport Nagar’s relocation and repurposing were assessed for long-term expansion needs.
The State Government to file a detailed affidavit explaining delays and ensure the removal of high-tension lines within nine months as per the revised schedule.
[Chandra Shekhar v. State of Rajasthan, D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 8139/2024, Decided on 10-12-2024]
Advocates who appeared in this case :
Mr. Ankur Mathur, Mr. Harshvardhan Thanvi, Mr. HRS Bhati, Ms. Divya Bapna, Ms. Shrestha Mathur and Ms. Nikita Mathur, Counsel for the Petitioner
Mr. Mukesh Rajpurohit, Dy. SG; Mr. Uttam Singh Rajpurohit; Mr. Mahaveer Bishnoi, AAG; Ms. Anita Rajpurohit; Mr. N.S. Rajpurohit, AAG; Mr. Sunil Beniwal, for HPCL; Mr. Salil Trivedi for CAZRI; Mr. Gaurav Agarwal, District Collector, Jodhpur; Mr. B.S. Khichi, Assistant Admn. Officer (Legal) CAZRI, Jodhpur; Mr. Pankaj Saxena, SE, (AIIMS); Mr. Manumanish Gupta, Deputy Director (Admn.), AIIMS; Mr. Chandresh Pareek, Ex. Engineer (Civil), AIIMS; Mr. Gaurav Sharma, AEN (Civil), CPWD, (AIIMS) and Mr. Lalit Bohra, Asst. Legal. (AIIMS), Counsel for the Respondent
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