The Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed a petition filed by senior doctor Dr. Vevek Choudhary, who had challenged the state government’s decision to start criminal proceedings in a medical equipment purchase case.
The matter relates to the procurement of PET-CT Scan and Gamma Camera machines worth about ₹18.45 crore for Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Raipur.
Dr. Choudhary argued that he had only a limited advisory role and was not involved in the final decision. He also claimed that the inquiry report recommending an FIR was unfair and prepared without hearing him.
However, the state government said a committee found irregularities in the process, including lack of proper approvals, and recommended an FIR for detailed investigation.
Justice Bibhu Datta Guru held that Dr. Choudhary had an active role in key stages by giving technical and financial inputs. The Court also clarified that no prior hearing is required before registering an FIR, as the inquiry was only preliminary.
The Court found no merit in the petition, dismissed it, and allowed the investigation to continue. The interim protection given earlier was also cancelled.
Case Title : Dr. Vevek Choudhary vs State of Chhattisgarh & Others
