Supreme Court Dismisses PIL Seeking Probe In Cough Syrup Deaths Case

Today, the Supreme Court dismissed the PIL seeking an independent inquiry into the incident of deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allegedly due to consumption of toxic cough syrups.

Earlier, the Supreme Court agreed to an urgent hearing on PIL seeking probe into the cough syrup deaths. In the wake of deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allegedly due to consumption of toxic cough syrups, a PIL has been filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari, seeking an independent inquiry into the incident.

The Bench of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran heard the matter and dismissed it after hearing that the Petitioner had filed multiple PILs.

Counsel appearing for the Petitioner submitted that the death report have been rising on daily basis due the toxic cough syrup. He underscored that the said incidence was not the first case of adulterated medicines.

"What States have started doing now is that they have started levelling allegations against each other...so, investigation by one agency is required", submitted the Counsel.

However, the Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, though not officially appearing in the matter, submitted that in such a case the concerned State Government will be taking steps with regard to deaths caused.

"He comes with a petition...we cannot not trust the State. I am not undermining the gravity of the situation. I am only saying that whenever something happens, despite existence of the State Machinery, my Learned friend reads the newspaper and come", said SG.

Upon which, the CJI confirmed from the Petitioner about the number of PILs filed by him. To which, the Counsel replied, "Eight to ten."

After hearing this, the CJI said, "Dismissed."

However, the Counsel urged that some reports should be filed with regard to the situation.

Accordingly, the Bench refused and the matter was dismissed.

Cause Title: Vishal Tiwari V. Union of India (W.P.(C) No. 971/2025 PIL-W)