The Karnataka High Court has delivered a sharp rebuke to the state government over its decision to close down Janaushadhi Kendras, the popular generic medicine stores. The court emphasized that politics should serve public interest, not the other way around.
Court Finds Government Order Legally Unsound
Justice Nagaprasanna, after examining the government's closure order dated 18 December 2025, found it severely lacking. The judge noted that the order was unsupported by cogent material and was wholly insufficient to justify shutting down these essential healthcare outlets.
The court observed that the move would extinguish the rights and expectations of citizens, which had been painstakingly built over many years. The Janaushadhi scheme, known for providing affordable generic medicines, had become a critical part of public healthcare access for countless families.
A Question of Priority: Public Interest Over Politics
In a significant remark, Justice Nagaprasanna underscored the fundamental principle that should guide governance. "There should be public interest in politics and not politics in public interest," the court stated. This observation strikes at the heart of the controversy, suggesting the closure decision may have been driven by political considerations rather than the welfare of the people.
The court's scrutiny reveals a decision-making process that failed to present substantial evidence or reasoning for terminating a successful and widely appreciated public health initiative. The lack of a solid foundation for the order left it vulnerable to judicial intervention.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The High Court's strong stance has several immediate implications:
- It places the government's decision under intense legal and public scrutiny.
- It reaffirms the judiciary's role in protecting schemes that serve a vital public need.
- It puts the onus on the administration to demonstrate compelling reasons for any such closure in the future.
For now, the court's comments have cast a serious doubt on the validity of the closure order. The future of the Janaushadhi Kendras in Karnataka hinges on the government's next steps—whether it will withdraw the order, provide the "cogent material" demanded by the court, or face further legal proceedings. The outcome will be a key test of how the state balances administrative action with its fundamental duty to serve public interest.
