Madhya Pradesh High Court emphasizes public safety, denies bail to Dr. Praveen Soni for prescribing a deadly cough syrup leading to the death of 26 children.
In a significant ruling, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has denied bail to Dr. Praveen Soni, a Child Specialist, accused of prescribing a toxic cough syrup, "Coldriff," which resulted in the tragic deaths of over 26 children. The decision was delivered by Justice Pramod Kumar Agrawal, highlighting the gross disregard for public health and safety involved in this case.
The case pertains to an alarming incident where Dr. Soni allegedly prescribed a cough syrup containing Diethylene Glycol (DEG) at dangerous levels, far exceeding the permissible limits. The cough syrup, linked to acute kidney failure in children, was reportedly prescribed despite prior warnings from a senior doctor about its potential fatal consequences.
Dr. Soni, who has been in custody since October 2025, argued through his counsel that he was falsely implicated, citing his longstanding reputation and lack of involvement in the manufacturing of the syrup. However, the prosecution countered with evidence of the doctor's awareness of the syrup's dangers, including a direct conversation with a senior doctor who warned him about a similar incident in Delhi in 1998.
The court noted that Dr. Soni continued to prescribe the syrup even after a government ban on such compounds for children under four years old was issued. The bench was also informed of the financial incentives involved, as the doctor allegedly received commissions for prescribing the syrup, which was sold at his wife's medical store.
The court's decision underscores the severity of the allegations against Dr. Soni, including the destruction of evidence and the conspiracy to profit from the sale of the harmful syrup. The ruling also referenced the importance of maintaining public confidence in the healthcare system, which would be undermined by granting bail in such a grave matter.
The judgment serves as a reminder of the critical responsibility held by medical professionals and the dire consequences of negligence in the healthcare sector. The court has directed the trial to proceed uninfluenced by its observations, ensuring justice is served in accordance with the law.
Bottom Line:
Bail application dismissed for a doctor accused of prescribing a toxic cough syrup that caused the death of more than 26 children, emphasizing gross disregard for public safety and health.
Statutory provision(s):
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 Section 483, Sections 105, 276 of BNS, Section 27(A) of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
