The High Court on Wednesday took serious note of reports that 65 children aged between zero and six years died due to malnutrition in Melghat between June and August, calling the situation shocking. The court observed that despite repeated directions since 2006, the malnutrition problem in Maharashtra has shown no real improvement, and criticised the state government’s careless attitude toward such a grave public health issue.
A bench of Justice Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice Sandesh Patil said it was painful that the government was taking the matter so lightly. The judges expressed anger when government lawyers argued that the children had died of pneumonia, not malnutrition. The court asked sharply, “Why did these children get pneumonia in the first place?”
The bench noted that while the government claims on paper that everything is in order, the ground reality tells a different story. It called the deaths of so many children due to pneumonia alarming and a clear sign of the government’s failure to tackle malnutrition seriously.
The court directed the principal secretaries of the Public Health, Tribal Development, Women and Child Development, and Finance departments to submit an affidavit explaining the steps taken to prevent such deaths and improve conditions in malnourished areas. They were also ordered to appear at the next hearing.
The court observed that malnourished children and pregnant women continue to die due to lack of basic facilities. It noted frequent deaths of pregnant women in Melghat caused by poor roads and inadequate health centers. Only 30 percent of the central and state funds meant for such programs are actually used. The court further noted that no pregnant woman has received assistance from the Maternity Health Fund in the last five years.
Under the ‘Har Ghar Nal Se Jal’ scheme, out of 370 villages, 70 still have no access to water, and work is ongoing in 160 villages. The court also questioned why, out of 12 people who died from contaminated water, only three families were compensated. It asked whether families of the 65 malnutrition victims would also receive compensation, and sought a clear explanation from the authorities.
During the hearing, the petitioners alleged that funds meant for fighting malnutrition were diverted to the state’s flagship ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme. They accused the government of misleading the court and claimed that the real situation is alarming, especially in Melghat, where primary health centers lack electricity, doctors, specialists, equipment, and staff. In Dharni, the local health center buys power from Madhya Pradesh, but due to unpaid dues, it has been functioning without electricity for months, according to the petitioners.
The court also expressed surprise at the meager daily nutrition allowance under the 2017 State Nutrition Diet Scheme—only INR 8–INR 12 per child (aged 6 to 17 months) and INR 9.50 per pregnant woman. The judges questioned how nutritious food could be provided at such low rates and why the amounts had not been revised despite rising inflation over the last 25 years. Calling the provision “like rubbing salt on their wounds,” the court ordered the Central Government to clarify its stance on the issue.
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