In an official step, NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The Commission’s action aims to establish the facts, ascertain responsibility and recommend remedial steps to prevent recurrence.
What the Media Report Says
According to the media article that prompted NHRC’s review published on 6 November 2025 the lift in question suddenly surged upwards at high speed just as the woman entered. The report alleges that her relatives had to wait roughly 15 minutes before she could be retrieved from the lift. The victim was then admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where she reportedly battled injuries for five days before succumbing.
Relatives quoted in the report accused hospital authorities of negligence, alleging there was no lift operator or security staff on duty and no warning signs indicating technical issues with the elevator. The family has called for a thorough inquiry into the sequence of events and the hospital’s emergency response.
NHRC’s Legal and Human Rights Concerns
By invoking suo motu powers, NHRC is treating the incident not merely as an operational failure but as a potential violation of the victim’s right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Commission’s notice to the UT administration and police seeks an official account of the incident, copies of maintenance logs, staff rosters, emergency response records and any internal inquiry findings.
The NHRC may also request information on the hospital’s compliance with statutory safety standards for lifts and elevators, periodic maintenance certificates, and whether any previous complaints had been lodged about the equipment.
Accountability, Hospital Safety and Patient Rights
Experts say such incidents underscore systemic gaps in infrastructure maintenance, safety oversight and emergency preparedness in healthcare facilities. Hospitals are legally and ethically obligated to ensure patient safety through properly functioning equipment, trained personnel and transparent reporting protocols.
Pending the NHRC’s review, the matter is likely to prompt renewed scrutiny by local health authorities and may lead to directives on mandatory maintenance audits, staffing norms for lift operations, and clearer signage for out-of-service equipment.
What Authorities Have Been Asked to Provide
The NHRC’s notice requests a detailed factual report from the J&K Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police within two weeks. The report should include, but not be limited to, the hospital’s maintenance records for the lift, CCTV footage if available, details of first-response actions, medical records of the victim, and any steps taken to secure the site and assist the family.
Once the Commission receives the response, it may call for additional documents, conduct hearings or recommend corrective measures to the UT government and the hospital administration.
Readers seeking primary sources can consult the NHRC website and the Press Information Bureau for official updates. For safety standards pertaining to lifts and elevators, information is available on the Bureau of Indian Standards and relevant state authorities.
