The Bombay high court on Tuesday directed the Gamdevi police to take legal action and find out whether a cognisable offence of cheating can be made out against Jaslok Hospital and three of its doctors. If so, then the offence should be registered and investigated.

The three doctors are Dr Amit Maydeo, Dr Mukund Joshi and Dr Sameer Somjee.

The court was hearing a petition filed by retired Dr Namdeao Sonar, 66, from Dhule, who alleged that he was overcharged for medicines and charged for tests that were never conducted on him during his stay at the hospital in 2008.

Advocate Pritam Runwal, appearing for Sonar, argued: “We had submitted a written complaint to the Tardeo police. It was transferred to the Gamdevi police and still no action has being taken against the doctors.”

Additional public prosecutor Vitthal Konde–Deshmukh informed the court that “an inquiry is being conducted”.

Justice AM Khanwilkar and justice Rajesh Ketkar told the petitioner to remain present before the officer in charge of the case on December 21 when his statement will be recorded.

Sonar said he was admitted at Jaslok Hospital on October 23, 2008, after he complained of acute abdominal pain. He was assured that the illness would be diagnosed using laparoscopy. Two days later he was told he would have to be operated on and the surgery would cost Rs60,000.

Advocate Runawal said, “On scrutiny of the hospital bill, it was found that a sonography charge was levied. But, when asked for a CD of the same, the hospital was not able to supply it. He was overcharged for several medicines though only a few of them were given to him.”

The case has been adjourned until November 23.