Tribal Woman Delivers Baby on Road in Kishtwar, J&K High Court Expresses Displeasure Over Healthcare Negligence
Jammu, March 5, 2025 – : -In a shocking revelation before the Jammu & Kashmir High Court, Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed highlighted the dire state of healthcare in rural areas, citing a recent incident where a tribal woman was forced to deliver her baby on the roadside in broad daylight in Inderwal Constituency of District Kishtwar.
The disclosure was made during the hearing of PIL No. 16/2018 (Balwinder Singh v/s UT of J&K and Ors.), which addresses the inadequate health infrastructure and shortage of medical personnel in rural areas of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
A Division Bench (DB) comprising Hon’ble Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Hon’ble Mr. Justice M.A. Chowdhary expressed strong displeasure over the failure of both UT administrations to file their responses, despite clear directions issued on February 4, 2025. The court had sought their replies to the petitioner’s suggestions for improving healthcare facilities in the erstwhile state.
Taking a stern view of the non-serious approach of the UTs, the DB warned that if the responses are not submitted within two weeks, the Administrative Secretaries of both J&K and Ladakh will have to appear in person on the next hearing, scheduled for March 24, 2025.
The incident has sparked outrage, bringing renewed focus on the crumbling healthcare infrastructure in remote regions of the Union Territories. The case is expected to put pressure on the administrations to take immediate corrective measures.
