HC raps UP govt over delay in land NOC for SRN Hospital expansion

Prayagraj: The Allahabad high court has expressed strong displeasure over the prolonged delay in granting a no objection certificate (NOC) for the transfer of land required to build a proposed multi-specialty facility at Moti Lal Nehru Medical College’s Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in Prayagraj.

A single bench of Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal in its order dated April 20 observed: “The project has remained pending for nearly eight months due to procedural hurdles it seems that the state wants to drag this matter further and is not much interested in getting the medical facility of Prayagraj upgraded.”

It further said the affidavit submitted by the special secretary of the medical education department failed to clarify a definite timeline for obtaining the NOC.

Posting the matter on April 29, the court directed the special secretary to file a detailed affidavit specifying the timeframe within which consent from the urban development department for transfer of land would be secured.

It also ordered the principal of Motilal Nehru Medical College to submit a response within a week regarding inspection reports on hostel facilities for undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with details of the cardiology department. It also instructed the college principal to remain present during the proceedings.

The case originates from a petition filed by Dr Arvind Gupta, a professor at Motilal Nehru Medical College. Initially linked to a consumer dispute involving medical treatment provided at a private hospital, the matter escalated through district and state consumer forums before reaching the high court.

During the course of hearings, the high court took suo motu cognizance of broader issues concerning functioning and infrastructure at govt hospitals, including concerns over doctors engaging in private practice. According to submissions before the court, the district magistrate of Prayagraj had reported on April 17 that portions of the land in question fall under the urban development department, necessitating its approval.

It was also highlighted that while part of the construction work has already been completed, further development—including construction of an apex trauma centre—remains stalled due to pending land clearance and the need to demolish an existing training institute on-site.

Meanwhile, an inspection report submitted by the court-appointed amicus curiae raised serious concerns about inadequate hostel facilities and the poor condition of existing accommodations for students. Taking note, the court emphasized that the matter directly impacts public health and medical education.
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