Raiding Hospitals: Why cops need permits

The High Court yesterday questioned the legality of the health ministry's decision asking the law enforcers to take its permission before raiding any hospitals. 

The court issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain within four weeks why the ministry's decision should not be declared illegal.

The bench of Justice Tariq ul Hakim and Justice SM Kuddus Zaman came up with the rule after virtually hearing a writ petition that challenged the legality of a notification issued by the health ministry to this effect.

Deputy Attorney General Amit Dasgupta told The Daily Star that the notification would be in force as the HC did not pass any stay order on it.

Supreme Court lawyer Rafiqul Islam, who also sought a stay order on the notification, submitted the petition to the HC on August 17.

On August 4, the health ministry issued the notification saying that the law enforcers need its permission before conducting drives in any government and private hospitals as the regular activities of the health sector are hampered due to law enforcers' sudden drives.

The notification also said coordination has to be maintained among the departments of health service, health education, and family welfare for raiding any hospitals.

Lawyer Yeadia Zaman appeared for the writ petitioner.