Disclaimer: This has been reported after the availability of the order of the Court and not on media reports so as to give an accurate report to our readers.
Bombay High Court: Shocked by the content of the news report published on 08-12-2025 in Daily Divya Marathi, which highlighted the deplorable condition of maternity and healthcare services available to pregnant women residing in hilly and tribal areas of Maharashtra, a Division Bench of Vibha Kankanwadi and Hiten S. Venegavkar, JJ., took cognisance of the case on its own motion.
The report drew attention to the stark contrast between the State’s expenditure of approximately ₹771 crores over the preceding one and a half years for preventing maternal and foetal deaths and the ground reality where basic medical facilities had failed to reach the most vulnerable sections. The report stated that deliveries were still being conducted using bamboo sticks or shaving blades. It was specifically stated that the umbilical cord was cut with the help of a blade and, in cases where the child died in the womb, “with the help of blade the foetus is cut into pieces and those pieces are taken out.” The report further mentioned that if labour pains did not subside, women were made to consume Mahua liquor. An interview of a forty-year-old woman, who had undergone pregnancy for the eighth time, disclosed that she herself had cut the umbilical cord with a blade.
The Court noted that if the Government is spending such a large amount on welfare schemes and yet those schemes are not reaching “at every corner and to every citizen,” it cannot be said that there is any real success of such schemes.
Emphasising on the State’s duty, the Court observed that the Government is “bound to give good health facilities to the citizens and it should reach to every citizen.” The Court underlined that special attention is required in respect of women and children, and particularly in relation to pregnant women.
Taking cognizance of the matter, the Court issued following directions —
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Directed the learned Government Pleader to produce on record the necessary data, supported by affidavits of the relevant government officers, on or before 19-12-2025.
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Recognising the need for independent assistance, appointed Advocate Ms. Geeta Deshpande as Amicus Curiae and directed the Registry to make available all necessary documents to her.
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Listed for further consideration on 19-12-2025.
[Registrar (Judicial), High Court of Bombay v. State of Maharashtra, Suo Motu PIL Stamp No. 36990 of 2025, Decided on 08-12-2025]
Advocates who appeared in this case:
Mr. A.B. Girase, Government Pleader, Counsel for the Respondent State