The Bench further observed that human organ trafficking violates citizens’ fundamental rights under Article 21 and poses serious public health risks for both donors and recipients.
Published Aug 26, 2025 | 3:07 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 26, 2025 | 3:07 PM
Organ harvesting. (Representational/iStock)
Synopsis: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court formed an SIT, led by IG Prem Anand Sinha, to investigate an illegal kidney transplant racket in Tamil Nadu. The court slammed the State’s delay in filing an FIR. A PIL claimed poor workers were exploited, with brokers arranging transplants for money.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday, 26 August, has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of an illegal kidney transplantation racket in Tamil Nadu.
The SIT will be headed by Inspector-General of Police (South Zone) Prem Anand Sinha, and its progress will be closely monitored by the court.
The Division Bench, comprising Justices S.M. Subramaniam and G. Arul Murugan, appointed the Nilgiris SP N.S. Nisha, Tirunelveli SP N. Silambarasan, Coimbatore SP K. Karthikeyan, and Madurai SP B.K. Arvind as part of the team.
The court also directed the Director-General of Police to extend full support and asked the Director of Medical and Rural Health Services to provide technical expertise.
The Bench further observed that human organ trafficking violates citizens’ fundamental rights under Article 21 and poses serious public health risks for both donors and recipients.
It criticized the State for showing hesitation in registering an FIR, stating that such an approach was “unacceptable” given the gravity of the issue.
The State argued that under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, only the designated authority could complete the probe. However, the court clarified that the case involved cognizable offences, which justified police intervention.
A status report submitted by the government revealed that the licenses of Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital in Perambalur and Cethar Hospital in Tiruchi had been revoked after fabricated documents were discovered.
These papers falsely portrayed donors and recipients as acquaintances, while in reality, brokers had arranged the transplants for money.
The case came to light following a PIL filed by S.N. Sathishwaran from Paramakudi, who alleged that illegal kidney transplants had surged in the State. He pointed out that victims, particularly poor workers from Pallipalayam and nearby areas, were misled into selling their kidneys for ₹5–10 lakh but were paid far less than promised.
He sought a CBI probe, alleging links between the hospitals involved and individuals associated with the ruling party.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Veni EN)
