Tribal children's deaths from malnutrition 'very serious': SC issues notice to Centre, states

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday termed the deaths of children due to acute malnutrition in tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra a "very serious" issue and issued notices to Centre and concerned state governments on a PIL seeking urgent intervention to prevent further fatalities.

A three-member bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing a petition filed by Ajab Lal Lilhare, a resident of MP's Balaghat district, highlighting the alleged deaths of tribal children due to severe malnutrition and preventable diseases.

Counsel for the petitioner submitted that children were dying daily in severely affected tribal blocks despite representations to the authorities and elected representatives.


The plea highlighted an alleged combination of measles-rubella outbreaks and severe acute malnutrition that had claimed the lives of dozens of children belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.

The petitioner contended that the public healthcare system in these areas was facing serious deficiencies, including a shortage of medical officers, ineffective immunisation drives, and the discontinuation of take-home rations and nutritional supplies through Anganwadi centres.