MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday sought a status report from the state health secretary and director of medical and rural health services on the action taken by them against kidney trafficking in Tamil Nadu. A bench of justices SM Subramaniam and G Arul Murugan gave the direction on a PIL plea by advocate SN Sathishwaran of Ramanathapuram, seeking a CBI probe into the racket.
The PIL, filed by advocate Saktheeswaran of Paramakudi, highlighted the exploitation of poor workers from powerloom units and dyeing factories in Pallipalayam, Namakkal district. The litigant alleged that several labourers from Pallipalayam and nearby areas in Namakkal were lured into selling their kidneys for Rs 5-Rs 10 lakh. Though two hospitals were found to be involved in the said racket, the authorities failed to take action due to political pressure from the ruling government, he claimed.
The petitioner claimed the Tamil Nadu government had not taken proper action and questioned whether a fair probe could be conducted by the state police, alleging political involvement. He urged that the case be transferred to the CBI, similar to the Thiruppuvanam Ajith Kumar custodial death case.
Saktheeswaran claimed that Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital in Perambalur and Cethar Hospital in Tiruchi were found to have committed serious medical malpractices and kidney thefts. He also alleged that both hospitals were connected to political figures belonging to the ruling DMK.
The advocate requested the court to issue an interim direction to the government to constitute a committee of medical professionals, headed by an IAS officer, to probe into the illegal organ trade and other irregularities, identify the victims, perpetrators and institutions involved, and submit a detailed report to the court. He further requested the court to order a CBI probe into the issue to take legal action against all people involved, irrespective of their political affiliation.
The court directed the Health Secretary and the Director of Rural Health Services to submit a report detailing actions taken regarding the kidney trade and measures to prevent such illegal activities. The case was adjourned to 21st August.
