Supreme Court sets deadlines for ICU infrastructure, warns against laxity

The Court reviewed a proposal for compliance timelines submitted by a Committee and issued directions to the Union of India, States, and Union Territories to ensure infrastructure and staffing standards are met.

Who it concerns: Petitioner: Asit Baran Mondal & Anr.; Respondents: Dr. Rita Sinha & Ors.; Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Hon'ble Mr. Justice R. Mahadevan.

What the court decided

• The Court agreed with the Committee's proposed time frames for ICU infrastructure compliance, substituting any period of 12 months with a period of 9 months.
• A mandamus was issued to the Union of India, States, and Union Territories to ensure compliance with Level I ICU guidelines within the stipulated time frames.
• Hospitals claiming to be institutions of excellence or speciality hospitals were directed to simultaneously proceed with Level III ICU requirements in addition to Level I compliance.
• The Union of India, States, and Union Territories were ordered to furnish status reports to the Court by 05.11.2026.
• A further mandamus was issued to the Union, States, Union Territories, and non-government stakeholders to commence recruitment of ICU personnel forthwith and complete it within six months.
• The matter was listed for the next hearing on 16.11.2026 at 2.30 p.m.

Also in the document

• The Court noted that for hilly or remote areas, States may request modifications to time frames in their status reports, provided they are realistic and supported by particulars.
• The Court stated that it will not grant unlimited time or extensions beyond what is reasonably necessary.
• The Court warned that any laxity or default in adhering to the guidelines and time frames may result in the Court taking a strict view against the defaulting parties.