New Delhi : HL October 01, 2026
The Supreme Court of India has sought a response from the Delhi government on a petition alleging violations of patients’ rights and financial irregularities at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), a specialised medical institution in New Delhi. The petition seeks an independent investigation and enforcement of rules governing free treatment for economically weaker patients.
According to the report, a Bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice K. Vinod Chandran took note of a petition filed by Rahul Raj, who has sought compliance with the Supreme Court’s July 9, 2018, judgment concerning subsidised treatment at hospitals operating on government-allotted land.
Petition Seeks Probe into Alleged Irregularities
The petitioner has alleged irregularities at ILBS and called for an independent inquiry into the alleged violation of patients’ rights and financial practices. The plea also seeks to bring ILBS within the monitoring and compliance framework applicable to the relevant Supreme Court directions.
The petition reportedly refers to the death of the petitioner’s mother and raises concerns about the institution’s functioning. The allegations are yet to be established through judicial findings.
Free Treatment for Economically Weaker Patients
Under the conditions associated with the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment, eligible economically weaker patients are entitled to free treatment at qualifying hospitals allotted government land at concessional rates. The stipulated minimum includes 10% of inpatient department (IPD) capacity and 25% of outpatient department (OPD) services, subject to the applicable conditions.
The petitioner argues that ILBS should also comply with these requirements, citing its establishment by the Delhi government, government land allotment and public financial support.
The plea further raises concerns about the implementation of free-treatment provisions and seeks effective monitoring to ensure that eligible patients receive the benefits intended for them.
Next Hearing on November 4
The matter is scheduled for November 4, 2026, according to the report. The proceedings concern the plea for compliance with free-treatment requirements, an independent inquiry into the allegations and inclusion of ILBS in the relevant monitoring framework.
The case brings renewed attention to access to affordable specialised healthcare, accountability in publicly supported medical institutions and the implementation of safeguards for economically weaker patients.
