Meanwhile, hearing the appeal, the top court allowed the petitioners to implead the Centre as a party in the matter, as it asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to assist it in the case.

The apex court said the members of the association will continue getting themselves registered under section 19 of the Act.

The HC, while passing a slew of directions, said each clinical establishment shall prominently display, in Malayalam as well as in English, at the reception and on its official website, a list of the services offered and the baseline and package rates for commonly-performed procedures, with a note that unforeseen complications or additional procedures shall be itemised.

The HC also went on to pass the order that every clinical establishment shall maintain a grievance desk or helpline and register every complaint with a unique reference number, issuing an acknowledgement immediately through text messages, WhatsApp or in a physical form.