Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Madhya Pradesh High Court Seeks Response Over Balaghat Child Deaths
The Madhya Pradesh High Court is examining reports about tribal children dying in Balaghat.
A person named Anshul Tiwari filed a public-interest case.
He said many children were not getting enough medical care.
He also said a hospital with 50 beds was treating about 400 children.
After visiting the area, he reported yellow-coloured water, poor sanitation and delayed nutritious food.
Reports gave different death counts, including at least 25 and more than 30 children.
The administration reportedly added hospital beds and improved local conditions after the deaths.
The court will hear the case again on September 18.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court sought the state government’s response to a PIL concerning the deaths of tribal children in Balaghat.
The petition alleges inadequate medical care, with about 400 children treated in a hospital containing only 50 beds.
Reports cited at least 25 deaths since May, while the petition referred to more than 30 child deaths.
The petitioner alleged yellow-coloured handpump water, poor sanitation and delayed nutritious food in affected areas.
The administration reportedly increased hospital beds and improved health, sanitation and cleanliness after more than 30 deaths; the next hearing is September 18.
- Who
- The Madhya Pradesh High Court, petitioner Anshul Tiwari, Madhya Pradesh government departments and officials, and tribal children in Balaghat are involved.
- What
- The court sought the state’s response to a public-interest litigation concerning deaths of tribal children and alleged inadequate healthcare and living conditions.
- When
- The response was sought on a Wednesday; the next hearing is scheduled for September 18. Reports cited deaths since May.
- Where
- Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh, particularly affected remote Adivasi habitations.
- Why
- The PIL alleges that infectious diseases, inadequate medical care, unsafe water, poor sanitation and delayed nutritious food contributed to the children’s deaths.
Petitioner’s allegations
Reported administrative response
Healthcare access
Petitioner’s allegations
The petitioner alleged that children were not receiving adequate medical care and that about 400 children were being treated in a hospital with only 50 beds.
Reported administrative response
The administration reportedly increased the number of hospital beds after more than 30 deaths.
Local conditions
Petitioner’s allegations
The petitioner reported yellow-coloured handpump water, poor sanitation and delayed nutritious food, alleging that these conditions contributed to infections and continued deaths.
Reported administrative response
The report said health, sanitation and cleanliness in the area were improved after the administration took action.
Timing of action
Petitioner’s allegations
The petitioner alleged that administrative action began only after more than 30 children had died.
Reported administrative response
The reported response described steps taken after the deaths, but the articles did not provide a detailed state-government explanation.
- Court
- Madhya Pradesh High Court
- Petitioner
- Anshul Tiwari, a resident of Narsinghpur district
- Reported deaths
- Scroll reported at least 25 tribal children had died since May; the petition referred to more than 30 deaths.
- Hospital capacity
- About 400 children were reportedly being treated in a hospital with 50 beds.
- Alleged conditions
- Yellow-coloured handpump water, poor sanitation and delayed nutritious food were reported in affected areas.
- Reported administrative action
- Hospital beds were increased and health, sanitation and cleanliness were reportedly improved after more than 30 deaths.
- Next hearing
- September 18