While the chief justice's comments are likely to make life more difficult for the state government embroiled in several other controversies, The Indian Express was the first to focus attention on the Rs 11-crore MRI machine deal that was not preceded by any consultations. A series of reports had quoted experts raising doubts about the quality of the machines and their evaluation. The matter was also raised in both the houses of assembly and comparisons were drawn with similar machines procured by hospitals like Jaslok and Breach Candy at lower rates. High-profileCongress member R R Patil had gone to the extent of levelling corruption charges against Aher and the then dean Dayanand Dongaonkar.

Recently Express Newsline had reported the experience of sitting judge who had been to the JJ hospital for a scan and was not given his film. While, he was asked to come after a week, after the report appeared in this newspaper the film was handed over to him at his residence.

Now, the petition admitted today, filed by Legislative Council Member Shantaram Aher, alleges that the tenders invited by the government were not considered on the norms laid down and that the contract was awarded in a hurry to Siemens India Limited. Shantaram Aher has alleged that the machines have been lying idle at the hospital since May 31, 1996.

Aher has urged the court to call for entire records of the transaction and declare it as void and illegal. As an alternative, he has suggested that the court set up a committee of experts to monitor and supervise the functioning of the machine. Hehas also prayed for quashing of the purchase contract and a direction to the government to make purchases in future through a committee not represented by the health minister.