Overview
- Justices Ravindra V. Ghuge and Abhay Mantri said the state has done "too little" and called for a zero-tolerance approach to prevent further deaths.
- Data before the court recorded at least 115 fatalities of infants, pregnant women and lactating mothers in 2025, while petitioners cited 136 child deaths since April and four children dying on November 15.
- The court criticised daily specialist rosters to remote PHCs as ineffective and urged longer postings, on-site housing and incentives for seasoned gynaecologists and paediatricians.
- The state argued many deaths stem from early marriage, teenage pregnancy, anaemia and other factors, but the bench pressed for root-cause remedies and basic medical amenities.
- Noting poor roads and erratic electricity, the court told the government to prioritise connectivity even in sanctuary areas, compile past reports and orders, and return with a compliance-linked roadmap.