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17 Disabled Children Die at Ujjain Ashram in 14 Months; Madhya Pradesh High Court Seeks Answers

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the deaths of 17 disabled children over the past 14 months at the Ankit Sewadham Ashram in Ujjain, raising serious concerns over the management and healthcare facilities at the institution.

Ujjain Ashram

Court Issues Notices

Acting on reports highlighting the alarming number of deaths, the High Court issued notices to senior administrative and health officials, directing them to file detailed responses within two weeks. The court has sought clarification on the causes of the deaths, medical care provided, and oversight mechanisms in place at the ashram.

The bench also asked authorities to explain whether proper medical examinations, post-mortem procedures, and periodic inspections were conducted.


Details of the Case

According to official data placed before the court, 17 specially-abled children residing at the ashram died between the past 14 months. The children reportedly suffered from multiple disabilities and chronic illnesses, but the frequency of deaths triggered concerns about possible negligence or inadequate facilities.

Preliminary reports suggest that some deaths were attributed to health complications; however, questions remain regarding timely treatment, staffing levels, hygiene conditions, and access to specialised medical care.


Government Response

District administration officials have stated that a probe is underway and assured the court of full cooperation. Health department teams are said to have conducted inspections and collected medical records for review.

Authorities have also indicated that if lapses are found, strict action will be taken against those responsible.


Concern Over Care Institutions

The High Court’s intervention has once again brought attention to the condition of care homes housing vulnerable children, particularly those with disabilities. Child rights activists have demanded stricter monitoring, better funding, and transparent reporting systems to prevent such incidents.

The matter is expected to come up for further hearing after the state files its response. The court has signalled that accountability and the safety of vulnerable children will remain at the centre of its scrutiny.

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