MP High Court Refuses to Halt Handheld X-Ray TB Screening Programme, Says Public Health Policies Cannot Be Challenged on Mere Apprehensions

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has declined to interfere with the government's tuberculosis screening programme that uses ultraportable handheld X-ray devices in community camps, holding that courts should exercise restraint when examining public health policies designed to advance larger welfare objectives. The Court observed that speculative concerns and unsubstantiated apprehensions cannot be a basis for halting a nationwide health initiative aimed at eliminating tuberculosis.

The case was filed by the Pragatisheel Radiographers Sangh, Madhya Pradesh, which challenged operational guidelines issued under the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The association argued that radiographers were being required to conduct 100 to 150 chest X-rays daily in villages and temporary camps, often without adequate protective infrastructure, radiation-monitoring devices or enhanced safety allowances. It also questioned the scientific basis of claims that handheld X-ray devices emit negligible radiation and alleged that the programme exposed healthcare workers to unnecessary risks.

Rejecting the challenge, Justice Jai Kumar Pillai held that the tuberculosis eradication programme was a welfare policy framed by health experts and implemented under the National Health Mission to address a major public health concern. The Court emphasised that judicial review of executive policy decisions is limited, particularly where specialised scientific and administrative considerations are involved.

The Court further observed that operational targets fixed by authorities to achieve effective screening coverage could not be termed arbitrary merely because they imposed demanding workloads. Importantly, the petitioner association failed to produce any concrete evidence demonstrating actual harm caused by the handheld devices or any violation of statutory safety standards. The Court noted that subjective fears and informal experiments could not replace official findings or expert assessments.

Finding no infringement of legal rights or service conditions, the Court dismissed the petition, allowing the tuberculosis screening programme to continue. The ruling reinforces judicial deference to public health initiatives unless clear evidence of illegality, arbitrariness or actual prejudice is established.