The Chhattisgarh High Court at Bilaspur has taken suo motu cognisance of a tragic incident in which a three-year-old girl, Muskan, lost her life after being struck by DJ equipment unlawfully stored inside an Anganwadi centre at Talapara, Bilaspur.
The matter was mentioned before a bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Bibhu Datta Guru on 22 August 2025.
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Background of the Incident
According to a report published in a local daily, the child sustained a severe head injury when an iron pipe, kept with other DJ instruments, suddenly collapsed while she was playing in the Anganwadi premises. She was rushed to the District Hospital and later referred to CIMS, but despite medical efforts, she succumbed during treatment.
The news report further revealed that the incident was initially concealed by officials of the Women and Child Development Department along with local police authorities. It was only after seven days, and upon receiving the post-mortem report confirming head injury as the cause of death, that an FIR was registered against the DJ operator.
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Taking note of the report, the High Court advanced the hearing, which was earlier scheduled for 26 August. During proceedings, the State’s counsel submitted that the DJ equipment had been kept inside the Anganwadi by a relative of one of the employees. The court was informed that criminal action had been initiated against the individual responsible.
Delivering its interim order, the bench directed:
"The District Magistrate, Bilaspur, shall file a personal affidavit before this Court, clearly indicating the steps taken in respect of the aforesaid incident, the responsibility of the officials concerned, and the action proposed or initiated against those found at fault."
The High Court also sought clarity on whether compensation had been paid to the victim’s family. If no payment had been made, the affidavit must detail the stage of such consideration. Further, the court stressed the need for concrete measures to prevent recurrence of such accidents in Anganwadi centres, which are meant to be safe spaces for children.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on 26 August 2025, with the District Magistrate required to ensure compliance.
Case Title: Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation vs. State of Chhattisgarh
Case Number: WPPIL No. 17 of 2025
