In a hearing that felt quietly moving rather than dramatic, the Karnataka High Court on Monday dealt with an unusual but heartening plea - a doctor wanting to donate one of her kidneys to a complete stranger, without asking for anything in return. Justice Suraj Govindaraj, after hearing both sides, stepped in to ensure that procedural hesitation does not stand in the way of what he described as a voluntary and informed act of human kindness SRI.
Background
The case arose from a writ petition filed by a woman doctor who approached the court after her request to donate a kidney altruistically was not acted upon by Manipal Hospital’s Hospital Based Authorization Committee (HBAC). She made it clear that she had no intended recipient in mind and was willing to donate to any deserving patient identified by the hospital, provided medical compatibility was established.
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Her counsel, Sri Sripada Venkata Joga Rao, told the court that the petitioner was fully aware of the risks involved. The delay, according to the petition, appeared to stem from an assumption that there could be some hidden arrangement between donor and recipient - something the petitioner strongly denied.
Court’s Observations
Justice Govindaraj noted that such cases are rare. “This is one of the uncommon instances where a person has come forward to donate her kidney as an altruistic donor,” the bench observed, pointing out that there was no demand for compensation or conditions attached to the donation.
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During the hearing, the hospital submitted a memo stating that five unrelated patients had been identified as potential recipients and initial indicators showed possible compatibility. However, the hospital said further medical tests were required, which could take three to four weeks.
The court also took note of the petitioner’s personal urgency. She informed the bench that she had a family history of diabetes, which could affect her kidneys in the future and make donation impossible later. Being a medical professional herself, and a major in age, she understood the implications. The judge remarked that when someone comes forward “of her own free will and volition,” fully informed, the request deserves serious consideration.
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Decision
Allowing the petition, the High Court directed Manipal Hospital to immediately proceed with all required medical tests on the identified recipients to determine the most suitable donee. The results are to be placed before the HBAC, which must consider and pass orders within one week of receiving the test reports. The court further ordered that all remaining procedures be completed strictly as per the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act and applicable rules.
Case Title: [Petitioner] vs Chairperson, Hospital Based Authorization Committee & Anr.
Case No.: Writ Petition No. 29161 of 2025 (GM-RES)
Case Type: Writ Petition (Constitutional – Articles 226 & 227)
Decision Date: 25 November 2025
