Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Bombay High Court Slams Maharashtra Govt Over Infant Malnutrition Deaths in Melghat
In a region of India called Melghat, many babies are dying because they don't get enough good food, which is called malnutrition.
The judges at the Bombay High Court think this is a very bad situation, calling it 'horrific.'
They are upset because the government in Maharashtra seems to be treating this serious problem too casually, even though the court has been telling them to fix it for a long time.
The judges want the government officials to take this more seriously and are asking important people from four different government departments to come to court and explain what they are doing to help.
The court also suggested giving special rewards to doctors who work in these difficult tribal areas to make sure they have enough help to save the babies.
The Bombay High Court described infant malnutrition deaths in Maharashtra's Melghat region as 'horrific'.
The court criticized the Maharashtra government's approach as 'extremely casual' and a 'very sorry state of affairs'.
The High Court has been issuing directives on the issue for nearly two decades, with current ground realities remaining unsatisfactory.
Principal secretaries from four state departments have been ordered to appear in court on November 24 to submit affidavits on actions taken.
The court suggested providing incentives for doctors posted in tribal areas and emphasized the need for accountability.
- Who
- The Bombay High Court and the Maharashtra state government
- What
- The Bombay High Court sharply criticized the Maharashtra government's handling of infant malnutrition deaths in the Melghat region, describing the situation as 'horrific' and the government's approach as 'extremely casual'.
- When
- The court made these remarks on Wednesday, November 12, with the next hearing scheduled for November 24. The court has been issuing directives on this issue for nearly two decades.
- Where
- Melghat region, Amravati district, eastern Maharashtra
- Why
- The court was hearing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) concerning malnutrition among children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers in the Melghat region and expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response despite long-standing directives.
High Court's Criticism
Government's Approach
Seriousness of Malnutrition Deaths
High Court's Criticism
The Bombay High Court described infant malnutrition deaths in Melghat as 'horrific' and a 'very sorry state of affairs', urging the government to be concerned and not adopt a 'casual approach'.
Government's Approach
The court indicated that the government's approach is 'extremely casual' and that public health issues are being taken 'so lightly'.
Government's Response to Court Directives
High Court's Criticism
The High Court noted that directives on the issue have been in place for nearly two decades, with the government having made assurances, yet the ground reality remains unsatisfactory.
Government's Approach
The government has previously made assurances to address malnutrition deaths, but the court's observations suggest these have not been effectively implemented.
Accountability and Solutions
High Court's Criticism
The court emphasized the need for 'some accountability' and suggested incentives for doctors posted in tribal areas, recognizing the challenging conditions.
Government's Approach
The government is expected to present affidavits on actions taken, implying a need for concrete steps and accountability for the ongoing issue.
- Region
- Melghat region, Amravati district, eastern Maharashtra
- Issue
- Infant malnutrition deaths
- Court
- Bombay High Court
- Court's Remarks
- 'Horrific', 'very sorry state of affairs', 'extremely casual'
- Next Hearing Date
- November 24
- Required Attendees
- Principal secretaries of finance, public health, women and child welfare, and tribal affairs departments
- Court Directives Duration
- Nearly two decades
