The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed all PILs pertaining to the welfare of tribal people to be heard by a special bench as State authorities have “neglected” their needs for too long.
The special bench will be led by Justice Mridula Bhatkar and will issue necessary directions in the cases and monitor the implementation of the court’s orders.
A Bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice M.S. Sonak also directed the State government to place on record all steps taken so far to curb malnutrition-related deaths and illness among the tribal population.
Chief Justice Chellur said, “The tribal population in the State has remained completely neglected and this is not done. This is a serious matter and the State must take note and discharge its duties.”
The Bench directed the State Advocate General to submit a report detailing the steps taken to comply with the previous orders of the High Court on extending welfare measures in the tribal areas.
Govt. accused of inaction
The Bench was hearing PILs highlighting the rise in malnutrition deaths and illness among people living in Melghat region of Vidarbha and other tribal areas in Maharashtra. The court noted that in almost every hearing in the case over the past two years the State did little to implement its orders.
