A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a CBI investigation into the deaths of at least 14 children in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district after they reportedly consumed a contaminated cough syrup. Filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, the plea highlights serious regulatory lapses and calls for urgent systemic reforms in drug safety protocols across India.

According to the petition, the children—all under the age of 15—died after consuming Coldrif cough syrup, which was found to contain Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial chemical banned in pharmaceuticals. The syrup was manufactured by Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma Pvt Ltd. Post-consumption, several children suffered acute kidney failure, leading to a rapid rise in fatalities. Similar cases were later reported from Nagpur, Maharashtra, raising concerns of wider distribution of the contaminated batch.

Tiwari’s petition criticizes the inaction of the central government and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), noting that no immediate recall or public safety alert was issued despite laboratory confirmation of contamination. The plea draws parallels with past international incidents, such as the 2022 deaths of children in Gambia and Uzbekistan linked to Indian-made syrups containing DEG and Ethylene Glycol.

The petition demands a nationwide recall of all contaminated cough syrup batches and the imposition of a ban on such products until thorough testing is completed. It also seeks mandatory pre-release toxicological testing of all syrup-based formulations—particularly those intended for pediatric use. To prevent future tragedies, the plea calls for the establishment of a National Pharmacovigilance Portal for real-time drug safety monitoring and reporting.

Citing the constitutional right to life and health under Article 21, the petitioner urges the Supreme Court to intervene, not only to ensure accountability in the current case but to mandate long-overdue reforms. The plea also recommends that the probe be overseen by a retired Supreme Court judge to ensure impartiality and transparency.

Additionally, the petition calls for compensation for the families of the deceased children, cancellation of licenses of manufacturers involved in the distribution of toxic medicines, and prosecution under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. It urges the Centre to frame a National Drug Recall Policy and enforce stricter quality audits before pharmaceutical products are released into the market.