Supreme Court asks government to compensate and protect tribal children after 32 deaths in MP

A Supreme Court bench chaired by Chief Justice Surya Kant called the deaths of roughly 32 Baiga tribal children in Balaghat district “most unfortunate” and summoned responses from the Centre, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on compensation and preventive steps. The petition, lodged by resident Ajab Lal Lilhare and presented by advocate Varun Thakur, alleges that officials were warned of a deteriorating health situation as early as January 2026 but remained inactive until the first death after August.

Investigations identified measles-rubella as the cause, exploiting children weakened by chronic protein-calorie malnutrition and vitamin-A deficiency. The filing points to a lack of doctors, diagnostic facilities, and regular nutrition programs, and notes a recent gag order under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita that penalises whistle-blowers. It seeks to have the Baihar-Birsa block declared epidemic-prone, provide 10 litres of water per person daily, nutritious food, and compensation to bereaved families, while demanding transparent reporting of health data.