Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Friday took suo motu cognisance of alleged irregularities in the purchase of dental simulators worth Rs4.32cr at the govt Dental College and Hospital, Nagpur, directing that a PIL be formally registered in the matter.A division bench of Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode passed the order after media reports highlighted concerns over the procurement and functioning of the machines. The court appointed Ayushi Dangre as amicus curiae and directed her to file a formal petition within two weeks. It also instructed the college dean to fully cooperate during inspection and inquiry into the procurement and condition of the machines.As per reports placed before the court, three dental simulators were purchased for approximately Rs4.32cr for training postgraduate and trainee doctors. The machines were inaugurated on May 31, 2025. It was alleged that the simulators became non-functional even before becoming fully operational and remained unused for nine months.Questions were also raised about the purchase price, with claims that the equipment was procured at rates higher than prevailing market prices. Some dept heads reportedly recorded that the simulators were not fit for effective use, leading to concerns that substantial public funds were spent without corresponding academic benefit.The bench noted the seriousness of the allegations, particularly as they involved public expenditure and medical training infrastructure, and ordered that a suo motu PIL be initiated.
