Bombay High Court Intervenes to Protect Frozen Embryos Amidst IVF Clinic Scandal
The Bombay High Court has taken action to safeguard 35 embryos preserved at the Malti IVF Centre in Nashik, Maharashtra, after the clinic was sealed following the arrest of its director, Dr. Amol Patil, in connection with an illegal human egg extraction racket.1 The court’s intervention ensures the continued preservation of these embryos for patients awaiting potential parenthood.
The Case and Court’s Response
Dr. Patil was arrested last month for his alleged involvement in the illegal extraction and sale of human eggs from vulnerable women in Badlapur, and for allegedly facilitating illegal surrogate contracts.1 Following his arrest, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) sealed the Malti IVF Centre on March 4, 2026.
Dr. Vandana Patil, a gynaecologist and Dr. Amol Patil’s wife, petitioned the High Court against the Maharashtra government and the municipal corporations of Nashik and Thane, challenging the sealing of the clinic.1 Her petition highlighted the critical need to maintain the frozen embryos, which require a consistent supply of liquid nitrogen to prevent degradation.
Recognizing the urgency, a division bench of Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Abhay Mantri directed the NMC to de-seal the clinic every fourth day to allow for the replenishment of liquid nitrogen.1 This temporary access is crucial, as failure to maintain the embryos in liquid nitrogen would result in their destruction, eliminating the possibility of future pregnancies for 35 patients.
The Illegal Egg Extraction Racket
The case stems from a police investigation into an alleged racket involving the exploitation of approximately 20 vulnerable women who were repeatedly used as egg donors.1 Their eggs were reportedly sold for substantial sums of money, violating the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 (ART Act).1
The investigation revealed that the Malti IVF Centre in Nashik primarily handled the documentation of egg donors, many of whom came from Mumbai and Thane.1
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
While the High Court has ensured the preservation of the embryos, Dr. Vandana Patil’s challenge to the NMC’s sealing and de-registration of the clinic’s license remains ongoing. The court directed her to file an appeal before the state government, which must issue a final order within 45 days.1
The court also indicated that the state government would decide whether the embryos should be transferred to another clinic, acknowledging the logistical challenges of continued liquid nitrogen support by the NMC.1
Related Municipal Issues
Separately, the Nashik Municipal Corporation has been involved in other legal disputes regarding unauthorized construction.2 A recent case involved a dispute over demolition notices issued for unauthorized building work, raising questions about the jurisdiction of civil courts in such matters.2
In another matter, the Nashik Municipal Corporation was directed by the Bombay High Court to implement a comprehensive awareness program for citizens regarding their fundamental duties.3
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