New Delhi, Sept 5: The Supreme Court on Thursday issued a notice to the State of Chhattisgarh in a deeply disturbing case involving allegations of child swapping/theft at a Private hospital. The apex court made critical oral observations, remarking that “something is fishy” and that the matter warrants a thorough investigation.
The case pertains to a mother who conceived twins—a boy and a girl—through IVF. According to the petition, the mother distinctly saw both children immediately after birth. However, upon discharge from the hospital, she was handed over two baby girls.
Suspecting foul play, the parents conducted a DNA test, which confirmed that one of the girls was not biologically related to them. Despite this, local police closed the case, relying heavily on a report submitted by a committee of doctors. The aggrieved mother then approached the Chhattisgarh High Court through a writ petition, seeking justice. However, the High Court dismissed the plea, leading to the appeal before the Supreme Court.
Appearing for the petitioner, advocates Ashok Kumar Panigrahi and Jitendra Kumar Sharma argued that the investigation was superficial and influenced by the hospital authorities. They stressed the urgent need for an independent probe, as the matter concerns the fundamental rights of the child and the parents.
The Supreme Court, while issuing notice to the State, expressed concern over the procedural lapses and the premature closure of the investigation. The Court’s oral observation that “something is fishy” has given renewed hope to the family, indicating that the highest court in the land is willing to scrutinize the matter with due seriousness.
