Rajasthan HC slams govt over 16-Year delay in AIIMS Jodhpur Projects, Warns of Rs. 50 Crore Penalty [Read Order]

Rajasthan: The Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court has delivered a scathing critique of the State Government’s persistent delays in completing critical infrastructure projects at AIIMS Jodhpur, expressing serious concern over the impact on citizens’ access to healthcare.

Justice Dr. Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Munnuri Laxman made significant observations on the long-standing infrastructure issues affecting the medical institution.

The court highlighted a 16-year delay in shifting high-tension electrical lines, which has impeded the construction of a trauma centre spanning 54,358 square meters. The court remarked, “It is extremely concerning to note that the people are being deprived of access to basic medical and diagnostic facilities and are made to wait in queues with a waiting period of over 1-2 months, which is violative of their fundamental right to live with dignity.”

Addressing the gravity of the administrative inaction, the court observed, “The Court proposes to initiate action for professional/public misconduct as well as criminal negligence for not shifting the high-tension lines despite AIIMS’ requirement for developing a trauma centre, which could have saved hundreds of lives each year.”

The court indicated its inclination to impose a cost of Rs. 50 crores upon the State of Rajasthan, to be utilized for enhancing medical facilities at AIIMS Jodhpur. However, in the interest of justice, the court granted one last opportunity to the Additional Advocate General to file an affidavit explaining the delays.

The court issued several directives, including instructing the District Collector to ensure a clean water supply to AIIMS and directing the Ministry of Agriculture to explore the possibility of relocating the Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI). Additionally, it emphasized exploring alternative land options, such as the vacant HPCL campus and the Transport Nagar area, to facilitate AIIMS’ expansion.

The court underscored that developing medical infrastructure is a joint responsibility of all state organs and is crucial for meeting citizens’ healthcare needs.

The matter has been adjourned to 06.02.2025 for further hearing.

Case title: Chandra Shekhar vs The State of Rajasthan

 [Read Order]