Bombay HC Orders Medical Care For Tribal Students On Hunger Strike

Mumbai, August 29, 2026: The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to ensure the safety and immediate medical care of tribal students on hunger strike over conditions in ashram schools across the state.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad ordered the State to provide doctors at all times and shift protesting students to hospitals if necessary. The court also instructed that students should be given food if advised by doctors, despite their ongoing fast.

The matter was brought before the bench after the health of a protesting student in Pune deteriorated. The court expressed concern that the protests could result in the loss of young lives, following the deaths of three students due to snakebites at a residential ashram school in Gadchiroli district.

The students have been protesting alleged deficiencies in infrastructure, food, safety, and educational facilities at tribal ashram schools and hostels. The agitation has spread to several parts of Maharashtra, including Pune and other tribal-dominated areas.

The petitioners' advocate drew the court's attention to several incidents involving tribal students, including the deaths of three students following snakebites at a residential ashram school. The court was also informed about the death of a student allegedly after consuming food served at a tribal ashram school.

Advocate General Milind Sathe assured the bench that the State government had taken swift action to address the concerns raised by the students. He informed the court that a meeting had been held between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the Tribal Development Minister, and representatives of the protesting students.

The court will consider the larger grievances raised by the students but emphasized that their immediate health and safety must be protected. The State has been directed to ensure that fasting students receive timely medical attention, remain under observation, and are admitted to hospital if required.

The Bombay High Court's order aims to prevent further loss of life among the protesting students. The court's decision highlights the need for immediate attention to the concerns raised by the students and the importance of ensuring their safety and well-being.

The Maharashtra government has been instructed to take proactive measures to address the grievances of the students. The court's order is a significant step towards ensuring the health and safety of the tribal students on hunger strike.

In recent years, there have been several incidents of students facing difficulties in ashram schools and hostels. The court's decision emphasizes the need for the government to take swift action to address these concerns and ensure the well-being of the students.

The Bombay High Court's order is a welcome move, and it is expected that the Maharashtra government will take immediate action to address the grievances of the students. The court's decision will likely have a positive impact on the lives of the tribal students and their families.

The issue of ashram schools and hostels has been a longstanding concern in Maharashtra. The court's order highlights the need for the government to take proactive measures to address the grievances of the students and ensure their safety and well-being.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's order is a significant step towards ensuring the health and safety of the tribal students on hunger strike. The court's decision emphasizes the need for the government to take swift action to address the grievances of the students and ensure their well-being.