Nagpur: Pathology reports bearing the signatures of a doctor who had died long ago have emerged as one of several instances cited before the Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court to underline alleged illegalities in diagnostic laboratories across Maharashtra.The court was hearing a criminal public interest litigation filed by Yavatmal-based social worker Digambar Haribhau Pajgade against allegedly unauthorised pathology laboratories operating across the state.A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Rajnish Vyas on Monday allowed the intervention of Dr Rajeev Joshi, founder-member of Medico Legal Society of India, Pune, and directed the state to respond to his suggestions for tackling the problem.Joshi placed several documents and news reports before the court, including one concerning pathology reports carrying the signatures of a doctor long after his death. He also referred to reports of laboratories allegedly operating in Kalyan, Ambivali and Dombivli, besides a similar instance from Telangana.Describing the issue as directly connected with the health of citizens, Joshi told the court that govt had failed to take effective action against such laboratories. The judges recorded his submission that “the issue is very serious” and that govt needed to take immediate steps to curb the alleged malpractice.Joshi also questioned whether the proposed Maharashtra Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2026, would adequately address the concerns raised in the PIL. The Bill has been introduced in both Houses of the state legislature and referred to a 21-member committee for examination.The bench directed Pajgade to amend the PIL and add Medico Legal Society of India as a respondent.Association of Clinical Laboratory Analysts and Practitioners was also permitted to intervene.Crucially, the court directed govt to file an affidavit responding to Joshi’s suggestions contained in his intervention application. The PIL has been posted for further hearing on Sept 15.The PIL pointed out that pathology laboratories are required to function under the supervision of qualified medical professionals, including MBBS doctors or specialists with MD qualifications in pathology, microbiology or biochemistry. Instead, thousands of laboratories across Maharashtra are being operated by technicians holding DMLT or CMLT qualifications, Pajgade alleged.Paigade contended that inaccurate or unreliable diagnostic reports can influence medical treatment and potentially endanger patients’ lives.# Key takeawaysCriminal PIL filed against allegedly illegal pathology laboratories across MaharashtraDr Rajeev Joshi of Medico Legal Society of India allowed to interveneHe cited reports of pathology reports bearing signatures of a dead doctorAlleged illegal laboratories in Kalyan, Ambivali and Dombivli were also flaggedPIL alleges inadequate professional supervision at thousands of laboratoriesTechnicians with DMLT or CMLT qualifications allegedly operate some centresPetitioner warned that unreliable reports could affect treatment decisionsCourt directed the state to respond to Joshi’s regulatory suggestionsMedico Legal Society will be added as a respondentThe PIL will be heard next on Sept 15.
