HC takes suo motu action after 17 deaths at Sevadham Ashram

Ujjain: The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh high court has registered a public interest litigation after taking suo motu cognisance of 17 deaths -- 11 children and 6 adults -- at Ankit Sevadham in Ambodiya, Ujjain, over the past year. The deceased had been transferred from Indore's Yugpurush Ashram.The court noted that the case, prima facie, raises concerns over violations of children's fundamental rights and possible breaches of the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and Article 21 of the Constitution. Notices have been issued to the chief secretary, Women and Child Development department officials, Ujjain Collector and SP, and the ashram superintendent, with responses due within two weeks. The next hearing is set for March 12.Following the court's directions, Collector Roshankumarsingh formed a five-member inquiry committee led by SDM Pawan Baria, including health and social welfare officials. The committee has conducted physical inspections, health check-ups, and is reviewing records."A physical inspection was carried out. Document-related examination is underway," SDM Baria said.