Supreme Court Takes Action Against Yatharth Hospital
In a significant move, the Supreme Court has commenced contempt of court proceedings against Yatharth Hospital after the institution filed a “prima facie false” affidavit asserting that it had not received a court-issued notice. This development comes amidst ongoing litigation regarding the hospital’s obligation to provide free medical treatment to economically weaker sections (EWS) as part of their agreement for receiving government land at concessional rates.
The proceedings were overseen by a bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Shree Chandrashekhar. The case, identified as Union of India v. Moolchand Khairati Ram Trust, focuses on ensuring that private hospitals fulfill their commitment to deliver free healthcare services to EWS patients as stipulated by the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment. This judgment mandates that hospitals with concessional land allocations offer free treatment to 25% of their outpatient and 10% of their inpatient EWS patients.
Hospital’s Claims Contradicted by Court Records
Yatharth Hospital’s assertion that it only became aware of the notice through informal channels was directly contradicted by an office report from the Court dated April 22, confirming that the notice had indeed been served. Consequently, the Court ordered formal contempt proceedings against the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, demanding a response within one week.
During the hearing, the bench expressed strong disapproval of the hospital’s actions, emphasizing the gravity of ignoring a Supreme Court notice. Justice Mishra remarked, “All 52 hospitals received notice. This is not the way court notices are to be responded to. Sorry, but you (Yatharth Hospital) will have to be sent behind bars; jail is the only place for you. You are not responding to a notice issued by the Supreme Court. How will you treat patients belonging to the EWS? Look at the arrogance of this hospital. Sorry, we are not ready to accept this. You have to be sent to jail.”
Broader Implications and Future Proceedings
The proceedings against Yatharth Hospital are part of a broader effort to enforce compliance with the 2018 ruling. In February 2026, the Supreme Court criticized various authorities, including the Delhi government and the Delhi Development Authority, for their lackadaisical approach in enforcing the judgment. Subsequently, contempt notices were issued to 51 hospitals, including Yatharth, questioning their adherence to the court’s directives and considering the revocation of their land concessions.
More Read
Recently, the Court was informed that a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for implementing the EWS treatment requirement had been submitted, although only 12 hospitals took part in the consultations. The Court has allowed senior counsel representing various hospitals to file their responses and has scheduled the matter for further consideration on September 30.
The ongoing case underscores the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that healthcare facilities meet their obligations towards economically disadvantaged groups, reflecting the larger theme of social justice and accountability.
