Is the Supreme Court Taking Action on Child Deaths Linked to Contaminated Cough Syrup?
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Synopsis
A PIL has been filed in the Supreme Court concerning the tragic deaths of children due to contaminated cough syrup. This urgent plea demands a thorough investigation and immediate actions to ensure drug safety and accountability.
Key Takeaways
- PIL filed in Supreme Court regarding child deaths.
- Contaminated cough syrup linked to 14 fatalities.
- Presence of toxic DEG confirmed in Coldrif Cough Syrup.
- Calls for investigation and drug safety reforms.
- Government and regulatory bodies criticized for inaction.
New Delhi, Oct 7 (NationPress) A public interest litigation (PIL) has been lodged in front of the Supreme Court, demanding immediate judicial action regarding the deaths of children purportedly linked to the ingestion of tainted cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Since early September, at least 14 children have tragically lost their lives, with a significant number of cases reported in Nagpur, Maharashtra and Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.
The PIL, initiated by advocate Vishal Tiwari, asserted that laboratory analyses conducted by the Madhya Pradesh government detected the presence of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a hazardous industrial solvent banned for pharmaceutical use — in ‘Coldrif Cough Syrup’, produced by Sresan Pharma Pvt. Ltd. of Tamil Nadu.
The initial fatalities were recorded in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh in early September, and soon after, the death toll rose as similar incidents surfaced from Nagpur, Maharashtra.
“In light of these devastating findings, the Union Government and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) allegedly failed to issue an immediate nationwide recall or prohibition, allowing the continued distribution of potentially lethal medications across various states,” the petition argued.
The plea drew comparisons to cases in The Gambia and Uzbekistan, where DEG-tainted Indian syrups were associated with over 90 child fatalities abroad.
“This is not merely a tragic coincidence but rather a consequence of negligence, indifference, and regulatory failures — an institutional decay that permits counterfeit and adulterated medications to flood the market unchecked,” the PIL contended.
The petition requests the establishment of a National Judicial Commission or Expert Committee, led by a retired Supreme Court judge, to thoroughly investigate the production, regulation, testing, and distribution of contaminated syrups and to recommend systemic reforms for drug safety.
Additionally, it seeks a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the deaths of children across different states, supervised by a former apex court judge.
The PIL also calls for the Supreme Court to transfer all pending FIRs related to these deaths to the CBI to ensure a cohesive and impartial inquiry.
Moreover, it demands an immediate recall, confiscation, and prohibition of all batches of Coldrif Cough Syrup and other related products manufactured by Sresan Pharma Pvt. Ltd., pending toxicological clearance and verification of safety by independent, NABL-accredited laboratories.
On Monday, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the Principal Secretaries of the Health Departments of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, following a complaint alleging severe deficiencies in drug safety and regulatory frameworks that contributed to this tragedy.
The apex human rights body has instructed the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to start a comprehensive investigation into the supply chain of the alleged counterfeit drugs, as well as directing regional labs in the concerned states to collect and test samples.
“The authority is also directed to instruct all Chief Drugs Controllers in the relevant states to expedite the banning of the counterfeit drugs and submit reports,” the NHRC added.
Point of View
This PIL sheds light on critical lapses in drug safety and regulatory mechanisms in India. It underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect the most vulnerable — our children. The judicial system must act decisively to ensure justice and prevent future tragedies.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the PIL filed in the Supreme Court?
The PIL seeks urgent judicial intervention regarding the deaths of children allegedly caused by contaminated cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
What harmful substance has been found in the cough syrup?
Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial solvent prohibited for pharmaceutical use.
How many children have died due to the contaminated syrup?
At least 14 children have tragically lost their lives since early September.
What actions are being requested in the PIL?
The PIL calls for an investigation into the matter, a recall of contaminated products, and a comprehensive system reform for drug safety.
What is the government's response to this crisis?
The PIL claims that the Union Government and CDSCO failed to take immediate action, allowing potentially dangerous medications to remain in circulation.
