The Patna High Court has scheduled November 19 as the next date of hearing in a Public Interest Litigation concerning an alleged ₹307 crore dustbin procurement scam in Bihar, directing the state government to submit its counter-affidavit by November 3. A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice V. Kameswar Rao and Justice Harish Kumar is hearing the petition filed by Kaushalesh Kumar, which challenges large-scale purchases made for state-run healthcare facilities. The issue gained wide public attention after an investigative video report circulated across social media platforms in August 2026. Senior advocate Sanjeev Kumar Mishra represents the petitioner before the bench.
Procurements Allegedly Made at Ten Times Market Rates
According to the petition, plastic containers of various capacities were procured through the Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited for collecting biomedical waste in state-run hospitals at severely inflated rates under the previous National Democratic Alliance regime. The petition states that the contract floated by the corporation was awarded to Lucknow-based firm SS Medical System, with purchase orders issued between June 2024 and April 18, 2026.
The petitioner contends that the containers were bought at roughly ten times the prevailing commercial prices. Specifically, the plea notes that a 75-litre microwave-safe dustbin was purchased at ₹15,490 against a market price of around ₹1,550, while a 45-litre unit was bought for ₹11,474 compared to an estimated market value of ₹1,162.
Substantial Price Discrepancies Flagged in Consumables
The allegations of inflated pricing also extend to the bulk purchase of hospital consumables, including biodegradable waste disposal bags. The petition claims that 75-litre biodegradable bags were acquired at ₹98 per unit against a standard market rate of about ₹8.50. Similarly, 45-litre bags were reportedly procured at ₹69 per unit, compared to an estimated market cost of around ₹5.75.
The petition highlights a significant disparity across both capital goods and routine consumables supplied to healthcare centers across the state. The legal challenge maintains that these disproportionate rates caused substantial financial strain to the state exchequer through public health funds earmarked for waste management.
Political Reactions Follow Legal Scrutiny Over Tenders
The matter carries political resonance, as the procurement orders fall during the tenure of former State Health Minister and BJP leader Mangal Pandey, who currently serves as the party’s in-charge for Assam and as an MLA representing Siwan. Pandey has declined to offer any comment regarding the allegations. Nishant Kumar, son of former Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) chief Nitish Kumar, now heads the state health department as minister.
The principal opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal has criticised the NDA administration over the transactions, though party state general secretary and spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan stated on Wednesday that he could not offer detailed remarks on the specific case because it remains sub judice. Gagan nonetheless accused the government of systemic corruption and misuse of public money. The high court will take up the matter on November 19 following the state’s reply, with the court yet to make any formal findings of culpability.
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