NHRC Seeks Detailed Report on Lift Negligence at Jammu Super Speciality Hospital After Death of 58 Year Old Woman

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo-motu cognisance of a media report alleging serious negligence in the maintenance and operation of a lift at the Super Speciality Hospital in Jammu, following the death of a 58-year-old woman who reportedly sustained critical injuries due to a sudden and abnormal movement of the elevator.

The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Director General of Police seeking a comprehensive factual report on the incident within a period of two weeks.

According to the report placed before the Commission, the woman had entered the hospital lift when it abruptly accelerated upwards at high speed.

The unexpected upward movement is stated to have caused severe injuries to her, leading to her death soon after.

The media account suggests that this malfunction may have occurred due to inadequate maintenance and alleged negligence on the part of hospital authorities responsible for ensuring the safe functioning of all mechanical and support infrastructure within the health facility.

The Commission noted the seriousness of the allegation that a public hospital failed to take adequate measures to maintain essential equipment used daily by patients, attendants and staff. The malfunction of such equipment, particularly elevators that are routinely used by patients in vulnerable medical conditions, raises concerns about compliance with mandatory safety standards, inspection schedules and oversight mechanisms.

The reported failure, if established, may amount to violation of the right to life, safety and dignity of individuals seeking access to healthcare services.

Based on the initial information available, the Commission observed that a prima facie case of negligence appears to have arisen because of the alleged failure to maintain the lift. It has therefore sought an explanation from the senior most administrative and law enforcement authorities of the Union Territory. The Commission has specifically asked for details regarding the cause of the malfunction, whether the lift had undergone timely mechanical inspections, whether any contractor or service provider was engaged for maintenance, and what steps were taken immediately after the incident to ensure accountability and prevent similar occurrences.

The Commission has also called for details of any police investigation initiated in connection with the incident.

This includes whether an FIR has been registered, whether statements of hospital staff or witnesses have been recorded and whether technical experts have been asked to examine the lift to ascertain the precise nature of the alleged defect.

The authorities have also been asked to report on the status of any internal inquiry initiated by the hospital administration, as well as whether the family of the deceased has been provided assistance in accordance with law.

The Commission has further asked for information regarding the general safety protocols in place at the hospital, including the number of lifts installed, the periodicity of maintenance, the agency responsible for upkeep and the mechanism for reporting faults or conducting audits of essential infrastructure.

The suo motu action taken by the Commission reflects its mandate to intervene where allegations of systemic negligence or failure of public authorities may affect fundamental rights. The Commission routinely calls for factual reports, examines whether a violation has occurred and may issue recommendations to ensure accountability, remediation and improvement in safety and administrative systems.

The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir will be required to provide a full factual narrative of the incident and make available all relevant documents including inspection records, service contracts, logbooks of repairs, photographs, technical assessments, statements of staff on duty at the time and copies of any police documents generated in connection with the case.

After receiving the response, the Commission will examine whether the facts disclosed require further inquiry, recommendations or remedial action.

The Commission has asked that the report be submitted within two weeks.

Failure to provide timely information may result in the Commission invoking its statutory powers to secure compliance.

The report will form the basis for further proceedings before the Commission in accordance with the Protection of Human Rights Act.