Archive · 20 Jan 2026
HC Criticizes Maharashtra Over Melghat Malnutrition Deaths
The Bombay High Court is very upset with the Maharashtra government because many people, especially babies and mothers, are dying from not having enough food in a tribal area called Melghat.
The court says the government isn't doing enough to help, even though there are programs meant to provide food and healthcare.
The government says other problems like early marriages and lack of awareness are also to blame.
The court wants the government to make a serious plan to stop these deaths and will check on their progress soon.
The court also said that the state needs to make special efforts to improve living conditions and medical assistance in the area.
The next hearing is on February 27.
The Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra government for not doing enough to prevent malnutrition-related deaths in the Melghat tribal belt.
At least 115 deaths have been reported in the region, linked to malnutrition and related health issues.
The court expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response, emphasizing the need for accountability and urgency.
The government acknowledged the deaths but cited social factors like early marriages and poor healthcare access as contributing causes.
The High Court directed the government to submit a detailed action plan to prevent further deaths by the next hearing on February 27.
- Who
- Maharashtra government, Bombay High Court, tribal populations in Melghat
- What
- Criticism of government's handling of malnutrition-related deaths
- When
- During a recent court hearing, with the next hearing scheduled for February 27
- Where
- Melghat tribal belt, Amravati district, Maharashtra
- Why
- To address the persistent issue of malnutrition and related deaths in the region
High Court
Maharashtra Government
Government Responsibility
High Court
The government is not doing enough to prevent malnutrition-related deaths and needs to take urgent action.
Maharashtra Government
The government acknowledges the issue but attributes it to broader social factors like early marriages and poor healthcare access.
Action Plan
High Court
The court demands a detailed action plan to address the crisis and ensure accountability.
Maharashtra Government
The government is expected to comply with the court's directive but has not yet provided specific details on their plan.
- Location
- Melghat tribal belt, Amravati district, Maharashtra
- Deaths Reported
- 115
- Affected Groups
- Infants, pregnant women, lactating mothers
- Government Schemes
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), midday meal programmes, nutrition missions
- Court's Next Hearing
- February 27
- Court's Stance
- Zero tolerance for malnutrition-related deaths
- Government's Stance
- Acknowledges deaths but cites social factors
