The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed Bombay Hospital, Indore, to immediately admit and treat a four-year-old girl who suffered severe burn injuries in an acid attack. The Court also ordered that the child should not be asked to bear treatment expenses, observing that the costs must first be covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and, if required, supplemented by the District Legal Services Authority.
Background of the Case
The petition was filed under Article 226 of the Constitution on behalf of the minor girl through her mother. According to the plea, the child, her six-year-old brother, and their mother sustained serious burn injuries in an acid attack on 29 May 2026.
The family was initially treated at the Community Health Centre in Rajpur, Barwani district. However, they approached the High Court claiming that the available medical facilities were inadequate for the long-term specialized treatment required for such injuries. They sought immediate transfer to a private super-speciality hospital and relied on the Supreme Court's directions in Laxmi v. Union of India concerning the treatment and rehabilitation of acid attack survivors.
Court's Observations
During the hearing, the State produced a medical report stating that the victims required prolonged specialized treatment. The report warned that improper treatment could lead to sepsis, septic shock, and other serious medical complications.
The petitioner's counsel also placed photographs before the Court alleging poor hygiene conditions in the burn ward where the child was receiving treatment. While noting these submissions, the Court chose not to make any findings on the condition of the government hospital.
Referring to the Supreme Court's guidelines, the bench observed that acid attack survivors are entitled to comprehensive medical care and that private hospitals should not refuse treatment.
The Court noted,
"The petitioners are entitled to get treatment at the private hospitals as they suggest in their application in the light of the dictum of the Hon'ble Apex Court."
Court's Decision
Disposing of the interim application, the High Court directed Bombay Hospital, Indore, to admit the minor girl immediately and begin all necessary treatment without demanding payment from the family.
The Court ordered the hospital to maintain a separate record of treatment expenses. It directed that the costs should be reimbursed through the child's Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya "Niramayam" Yojana card. If the medical expenses exceed the insured amount, the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Indore, has been directed to release the required funds, subject to the final outcome of the writ petition.
The Court also instructed the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Barwani, to take appropriate steps for releasing financial assistance in accordance with the Supreme Court's directions in Laxmi v. Union of India.
Notices were issued to the respondents regarding the remaining reliefs sought in the petition.
Case Details
Case Title: Shivangi Chouhan Through Natural Guardian Mrs. Salita v. State of Madhya Pradesh & Others
Case Number: W.P. No. 22348 of 2026
Judge: Justice Deepak Khot
Decision Date: 24 June 2026
