The Allahabad High Court has directed a judicial inquiry into the events surrounding the death of advocate Jagrati Shukla and the alleged altercation between lawyers and doctors at Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital, Prayagraj. The court also ordered that no arrests be made in the criminal case registered after the incident while the investigation continues.
The order came while hearing public interest litigation petitions filed amid concerns over the fairness of the ongoing investigation and allegations of inadequate medical treatment provided to the injured advocate.
Background of the Case
According to the court record, Jagrati Shukla, a practicing advocate of the Allahabad High Court, suffered serious injuries in a road accident on 20 May 2026 while travelling for cricket practice.
She was taken to SRN Hospital by fellow advocates. Allegations were subsequently made that emergency medical staff failed to attend to her promptly and that a confrontation broke out between advocates and hospital personnel. An FIR was later registered at Kotwali Police Station, Prayagraj, against unidentified persons associated with the hospital.
The incident triggered protests by lawyers and a strike by doctors, affecting public services in the city. Jagrati Shukla was later shifted to a private hospital and then to SGPGI, Lucknow, where she died on 7 June 2026 while undergoing treatment.
The bench noted that the circumstances had created deep public concern and raised questions about whether the investigation could remain impartial amid the conflict between two professional groups.
“The incident requires a fair enquiry,” the court observed while expressing concern that any investigation conducted solely by local authorities could be viewed as partisan.
At the same time, the court refrained from making any findings on the allegations of medical negligence, stating that such issues required expert assessment.
The judges also criticized both the lawyers' road blockades and the doctors' strike, observing that public inconvenience and denial of medical services could not be justified.
To ascertain the facts, the court requested retired High Court judge Justice Arun Tandon to conduct an independent inquiry.
The inquiry will examine whether Jagrati Shukla received timely and adequate medical treatment at SRN Hospital, whether any negligence contributed to her death, and who was responsible for the physical clash between advocates and hospital staff.
The retired judge has been empowered to summon witnesses, records, experts, and other relevant evidence. The inquiry report is expected to be submitted by 30 September 2026.
While permitting the police investigation to continue, the High Court directed that no arrests be made in Case Crime No. 0046 of 2026. The bench observed that the incident had occurred weeks earlier and custodial interrogation did not appear necessary, particularly considering that the accused were medical professionals.
The court further directed authorities to ensure that no strikes or disruptions affect public movement or medical services. It warned that any violation of its directions by lawyers, doctors, or government employees could invite contempt proceedings.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on 27 July 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: Amit Kumar Singh @ Sonu Singh and Another v. State of U.P. and 9 Others (along with connected PIL matters)
Case Number: Criminal Writ-Public Interest Litigation No. 8 of 2026
Judges: Justice Salil Kumar Rai and Justice Swarupama Chaturvedi
Decision Date: 10 June 2026
