Court on its own Motion vs State of Jharkhand and Others

Learned counsel Sri Sumeet Gadodia has drawn our attention towards one news item published in the daily newspaper "Prabhat Khabar" in its edition dated 1st August, 2013 wherein it has been mentioned that every year about 46 thousand children below the age of 5 years or up-to the age of 5 years dies in the State of Jharkhand. According to this report, the figures have been given after careful examination of the facts and by taking details from various districts. This report shows that about 19,000 children dies within 20 days of their birth and as per the Government data itself, out of 1000 birth, 55 children did not see their 5th birthday and 38 out of that figure dies within one year and 24 dies within 28 days.

After going through the details given in the newspaper, we are of the considered opinion that matter requires serious consideration and, therefore, office is directed to register this as a "Public Interest Litigation".

Learned counsel Sri Sumeet Gadodia is requested to assist this Court as Amicus Curiae.

Learned counsel for the State is requested to accept the notice on behalf of State Government and also for the Department of Health and Welfare and learned counsel for the State may also request the Advocate General to assist the Court so that immediately issue may be addressed.

The State is also directed to give the facts and figures if they have with respect to the child mortality rate in the State of Jharkhand, the position of the Primary Health Centers, the efforts which are being made for educating the pregnant ladies for taking care during pregnancy and delivery. The State is expected to give all other relevant facts and figures as well as the details of the steps which are being taken and which are in process of taking.

Put up this case on 12th August, 2013. A copy of this order be given to learned counsel for the State as well learned Amicus Curiae.