Fri Nov 21 00:18:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:
Headline: Bombay High Court Lambastes Maharashtra Government Over Infant Malnutrition Deaths in Melghat
Mumbai, November 21, 2025 – The Bombay High Court has expressed outrage over the persistent deaths of infants due to malnutrition in the Melghat tribal belt of Maharashtra, severely criticizing the state government for failing to implement previous court orders aimed at addressing the crisis.
A Division Bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Sandesh D. Patil, hearing a public interest litigation, highlighted the alarming fact that approximately 65 children between 0-6 months have died since June 2025 due to malnutrition. The court noted the government’s failure to submit a joint report on steps taken to combat malnutrition, as directed in a previous order.
The court has demanded affidavits from Principal Secretaries of key departments (Tribal Affairs, Public Health, Finance, Women and Child and PWD) within a week and ordered senior officials to appear via video conference at the next hearing.
The court case was sparked by an affidavit which paints a devastating picture of the conditions in Melghat, including non-functional health centers, lack of electricity, impassable roads, and a failure to implement recommendations from expert committees. It also alleges fund misuse within the NGO sector and points to the state’s low healthcare spending. Basic needs such as access to water, electricity and maternal health benefits are not being delivered.
The court also criticized the “paltry” amount allocated for nutrition under Anganwadi services.
The Union of India has also been directed to file an affidavit responding to observations dating back to 2018. The High Court’s strong rebuke underscores the urgency and severity of the malnutrition crisis in Melghat, demanding immediate and effective action from the Maharashtra government.
First Piper 