Today, On 10th October, The Supreme Court has dismissed a PIL seeking a court-monitored investigation into child deaths caused by adulterated cough syrups. The bench stated that proper state authorities are already handling the matter, denying central court intervention.
The Supreme Court dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a centralized inquiry into rising deaths caused by adulterated cough syrups across various states.
The matter was heard before Chief Justice of India (CJI) and other senior judges of the apex court.
The bench, comprising CJI B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, heard the matter in the Supreme Court.
The petitioner, appearing in person, urged the court, saying,
“My lords everyday the death rates are rising in various states. There should be a centralized inquiry. We have had instances of adulterated medicines even before.”
However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing in an advisory capacity, responded, “I am not in this case but the states are capable of taking steps and handling the issue.”
The petitioner reiterated,
“Deaths are happening in various states.”
SG Mehta replied,
“Yes so they can take their own steps. Why do we consider the states so incapable? I am not representing any state but anytime something happens my learned friend reads the newspaper and comes.”
The CJI questioned the petitioner about his previous litigations, asking,
“How many PILs have you filed?”
To which SG Mehta added,
“And how many cases other than PILs?”
The petitioner replied,
“8-10 PILs.”
After hearing the submissions, the Chief Justice concluded,
“Dismissed.”
Earlier, A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court of India seeking urgent action after the death of several children due to alleged consumption of poisonous cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
The petition highlights a serious case of regulatory failure in India’s drug safety system and demands immediate judicial intervention.
According to reports, at least 14 children have died since early September, with most of the cases being reported from Nagpur in Maharashtra and Chhindwara in Madhya Pradesh.
The PIL has been filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, who pointed out that laboratory tests conducted by the Madhya Pradesh government confirmed the presence of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) in the syrup.
DEG is a highly toxic industrial solvent that is strictly prohibited for use in medicines. The syrup in question is ‘Coldrif Cough Syrup,’ manufactured by Tamil Nadu-based company Sresan Pharma Pvt. Ltd.
The first cases were reported in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, in the beginning of September. Within a few days, similar reports started coming in from Nagpur, Maharashtra, and the death toll of children rose sharply.
Despite the findings of toxic substances, there was no immediate nationwide ban or recall of the product. The plea filed before the Supreme Court has strongly criticized the inaction of the authorities.
Case Title: VISHAL TIWARI V UNION OF INDIA AND ORS W.P.(C) No. 971/2025