The Madhya Pradesh High Court has struck down the state's system under which certain newly appointed government employees were paid 70%, 80% and 90% of the minimum pay scale during the first three years of probation.

The court has held that employees performing the duties attached to their posts cannot be denied the applicable minimum pay merely because they are on probation. The ruling reinforces the principle of “equal pay for equal work” in cases covered by the litigation.

What was the 70-80-90% system?

Under a General Administration Department memorandum issued in December 2019, certain employees recruited to posts outside the MPPSC examination system were placed on a three-year probationary pay structure.

They were paid:

• 70% of the minimum pay scale in the first year
• 80% in the second year
• 90% in the third year

Full salary became payable after the applicable probationary period.

The arrangement had been challenged by employees before the High Court.

Court finds unequal treatment

The court's reasoning centred on the fact that employees appointed through proper recruitment procedures were performing the duties attached to their posts.

The judgment held that there was no reasonable basis for creating different classes of probationers and paying some employees less despite them performing the same work.

The court relied on earlier decisions in which the 70-80-90% arrangement had been rejected.

Arrears also become important

The ruling has financial implications for employees who received reduced pay during probation.

In one recent order, the High Court directed that employees who had not received full salary during probation should be paid the difference. In another case, the court directed payment of the three-year salary difference within 60 days.

This means affected employees may become eligible for arrears, subject to the precise applicability of the relevant judgment and their individual service circumstances.

Earlier cases had challenged the policy

The issue has been repeatedly litigated before the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

In July 2026, the court again relied on its earlier decision in the Vinita Tiwari case, holding that employees were entitled to the minimum applicable pay scale rather than the reduced 70%, 80% and 90% payments.

Similar orders have subsequently been passed in several individual cases.

What employees should understand

The ruling is significant for government employees appointed under the rules covered by the litigation. However, it should not automatically be interpreted as meaning that every probationer in every government department will receive an identical arrears payment.

The applicability of the judgment depends on the employee's recruitment route, appointment conditions, department and the specific court order governing the case.

A judicial inquiry into the Bhagirathpura contaminated-water tragedy in Indore has pointed to serious failures in the city’s drinking-water and sewerage systems, raising questions over why corrective action was not taken despite an early warning in 2019.

The one-member commission headed by retired Madhya Pradesh High Court judge Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta examined 36 deaths linked to the episode. According to findings reported from the inquiry, 24 of the deaths were directly linked to sewage-contaminated water supplied through Indore Municipal Corporation pipelines, while a conclusive connection could not be established in the remaining 12 cases. 

The findings suggest that the crisis was not an unforeseeable event but developed amid failures in infrastructure maintenance, monitoring and administrative response.

2019 Report Had Already Flagged Contaminated Water

One of the most significant findings concerns a February 8, 2019 report of the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board.

The report found that water from 60 tubewells and handpumps in Bhagirathpura did not meet prescribed quality standards. It also warned of potential health risks and recommended that the water be used for drinking only after appropriate chlorination.

The judicial inquiry reportedly found no convincing record showing that effective and timely action was taken by the then senior municipal authorities after the warning. The commission's findings therefore raise a critical question: why was a known water-quality risk not adequately addressed before the later outbreak? 

Pipeline and Sewerage Failures Came Under Scrutiny

The commission also examined the technical relationship between drinking-water and sewerage networks.

Its recommendations stress that drinking-water and sewer lines should follow separate alignments and maintain prescribed horizontal and vertical separation. Where the two networks cross, additional safeguards are required.

The inquiry also highlighted the need to prevent cross-connections, backflow and leakage, while maintaining adequate water pressure and conducting regular quality testing.

These safeguards are particularly important in densely populated urban areas, where a damaged or leaking sewer line near a drinking-water pipeline can create a serious public-health risk.

Tender Delays Also Raised Questions

The inquiry examined delays in the process for work related to Bhagirathpura's water infrastructure.

The report reportedly found that several stages of the tender process experienced delays that could have been avoided. Files remained pending at different administrative levels, while discussions and subsequent processing extended over several months.

The tender committee included Executive Engineer Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava, Superintending Engineer Shrikant Kante, Additional Commissioner (Finance) Devdhar Darwa and Additional Commissioner Abhay Rajangaonkar. The commission recommended determining where, how much and why the delays occurred. 

The inquiry also examined the role of officials and employees associated with the water-supply and tender branches.

Shivam Verma, Pratibha Pal Get Clean Chit

The commission did not hold former Indore Municipal Corporation Commissioner Shivam Verma responsible based on the records examined during the inquiry.

Former municipal commissioner Pratibha Pal was also reportedly cleared of responsibility. The findings instead focused attention on operational, monitoring and administrative levels where shortcomings were identified. (The Sootr)

This distinction is important because the inquiry's findings concern administrative responsibility based on the material examined by the commission; they should not automatically be treated as judicial findings of criminal guilt against individual officials.

High Court to Consider Public Release of Report

The approximately 600-page inquiry report was submitted to the Madhya Pradesh High Court in August. The court had earlier declined to make the report publicly available while considering arguments over its disclosure. (Amar Ujala)

On September 8, the hearing concerning an intervener's demand for access to the report was adjourned after a brief proceeding because the regular bench was unavailable. The matter is now scheduled before the regular bench on September 21. 

The development keeps the focus on a central issue: how a water-quality warning identified years before the tragedy translated into insufficient preventive action.

Commission Calls for Stronger Water Safety Monitoring

The inquiry has recommended regular testing of drinking-water quality, inspection and maintenance of the pipeline network, and faster responses to complaints involving leakage, low pressure, dirt, unauthorised connections and damaged pipelines.

The broader message from the report is that safe drinking water cannot depend only on emergency action after contamination occurs. Continuous testing, infrastructure maintenance and clear accountability are essential to preventing a repeat of the Bhagirathpura tragedy.

For Indore, the findings also underline the importance of ensuring that warnings from technical and pollution-control agencies lead to documented corrective action rather than remaining confined to official records.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has disposed of two petitions pending since 2018 that sought restrictions on tree felling in the state, directing the petitioners to first plant 25 fruit-bearing saplings each and submit a report to the court.

The order was passed on Thursday by a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Vivek Rusia and Justice Pradeep Mittal.

The court also asked the petitioners to undertake a factual assessment of trees cut during road construction and other development projects in Madhya Pradesh, along with the number of replacement saplings planted. The bench said that if the study establishes a need for further judicial intervention, the petitioners may approach the court again with a fresh petition supported by concrete data.

Petitions Filed in 2018

Jabalpur resident Vivek Kumar Sharma and Neemuch resident Anand Manawat had filed separate petitions in 2018 seeking restrictions on tree felling across Madhya Pradesh.

The petitions alleged that large numbers of trees were being cut for road and infrastructure projects without adequate compensatory plantation.

During the proceedings, the petitioners also referred to an earlier decision of a three-judge full bench of the High Court. On March 1, 2025, the full bench had struck down a September 24, 2015 notification that permitted the felling of trees belonging to 53 specified species.

Court Seeks Actual Numbers

During Thursday's hearing, the bench observed that nearly nine years had passed since the petitions were filed. Several highways and roads have been constructed in the state during this period, but the petitions did not contain precise figures showing how many trees had been removed and how many replacement saplings had subsequently been planted.

The court observed that simply alleging that trees are being felled without adequate plantation was not sufficient to establish the current situation.

According to the bench, a proper assessment based on verifiable data is necessary to determine the scale of tree loss and compensatory plantation across the state.

Indore Plantation Cited

The court also noted that it would not be appropriate to assume that only tree felling is taking place in Madhya Pradesh and that no plantation work is being carried out.

The bench referred to Indore's plantation drive involving around 12 lakh saplings as an example of large-scale plantation activity. The court noted that the anniversary of the plantation initiative had also been observed recently.

The bench further noted that the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation has set a target of planting 11 lakh saplings this year.

Petitioners Asked to Conduct Study

As part of the directions, both petitioners have been asked to plant 25 fruit-bearing saplings each and submit reports regarding the plantation.

They have also been asked to collect information on trees felled for roads and other projects and compare those figures with the number of saplings planted in their place.

The High Court said the petitioners can return to court with a fresh petition if their study, backed by concrete figures, demonstrates that further intervention is warranted.

The order effectively brings the long-pending petitions to an end while leaving open the possibility of future proceedings based on documented evidence.

Retired Bhopal district and sessions judge Giribala Singh, who is currently in custody in connection with the suspicious death of model and actress Twisha Sharma, has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court seeking bail. Her petition is likely to be heard on Wednesday.

The bail application comes after a district and sessions court rejected her earlier plea in the case, in which she has been accused of dowry death along with her son Samarth Singh.

Health, Age Cited in Bail Plea

In her petition before the High Court, Giribala Singh has cited her advancing age, health problems and responsibility for looking after her elderly mother as grounds for seeking relief.

She has also claimed that her relationship with her late daughter-in-law was cordial and that there were no disputes between the two.

The case concerns the death of Twisha Sharma, who died under suspicious circumstances within months of her marriage to Samarth Singh.

Twisha Died Months After Marriage

Twisha Sharma married Samarth Singh on December 9, 2025. She died during the night of May 12-13, 2026, around five months after the marriage.

The prosecution has relied on legal provisions concerning unnatural deaths of women occurring within seven years of marriage. During the earlier proceedings, the state argued that such circumstances bring the husband and members of the matrimonial family under scrutiny, subject to the facts and evidence of the case.

Giribala Singh and her son Samarth Singh have both been named as accused and are currently in custody.

District Court Had Rejected Bail

Giribala Singh had first sought bail from the district court, but the application was rejected. She subsequently moved the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Earlier, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Madhya Pradesh Advocate General Prashant Singh had appeared for the state while opposing her anticipatory bail plea. The state had referred to the legal provisions concerning unnatural deaths occurring within seven years of marriage as well as the circumstances surrounding Twisha's death.

The High Court's decision on the latest bail petition will now be closely watched.

CBI Court Proceedings Continue

The case is also being heard before the CBI court. According to the information provided by the victim's side, both accused were produced through video conferencing on Tuesday as their previous period of judicial custody was nearing completion.

Twisha's counsel Shubhang Dixit said the court has directed that the charge sheet be filed by August 17.

Accused Yet to Give Voice Samples

During another hearing, the CBI reportedly informed the court that Giribala Singh and Samarth Singh had not yet provided their voice samples.

The investigation is continuing, with several aspects of the case, including forensic evidence and other material, being examined by the investigating agency.

The High Court hearing on Giribala Singh's bail plea is expected to provide the next significant development in the case.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has expressed serious concern over the growing number of cyber fraud cases in the country, observing that while cybercriminals can siphon off victims' life savings within minutes, law enforcement agencies often take far longer to investigate such crimes.

Hearing a petition related to a ₹6.25 lakh cyber fraud involving an elderly resident of Jabalpur, the court emphasized the need for faster, technology-driven investigations and stronger coordination among police forces, financial institutions, and government agencies.

Justice Vishal Dhagat, who was hearing the matter, remarked that the existing pace of investigation was inadequate to deal with the rapidly evolving nature of cybercrime.

DGPs of Three States Asked to Appear

In a significant move, the High Court directed the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Assam to appear before the court through video conferencing on July 31.

The court also instructed the Superintendent of Police (SP), Jabalpur, to remain personally present during the next hearing.

During the proceedings, the Bench expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of certain officials despite earlier directions, indicating the need for greater accountability in handling cybercrime investigations.

Court Calls for Centralised Cyber Investigation System

The High Court observed that cybercrime investigations often suffer because multiple agencies operate independently without adequate coordination.

To address this challenge, the court directed the Central Government, banks, and investigating agencies to work towards establishing a centralised mechanism for cybercrime investigation.

According to the court, a unified system could significantly improve information sharing, accelerate investigations, and ensure quicker relief for victims of online financial fraud.

Technology and Policing Must Work Together

Justice Dhagat observed that cybercrime has become increasingly sophisticated and cannot be tackled effectively through conventional policing alone.

The court stressed that advanced technological expertise should be integrated with policing systems to improve the detection, investigation, and prosecution of cybercriminals.

The observations reflect growing judicial concern over the increasing complexity of digital financial crimes and the need for law enforcement agencies to strengthen their cyber capabilities.

Assam Police Appreciated

While expressing dissatisfaction with delays in investigation, the High Court also acknowledged an example of effective inter-state coordination.

The court appreciated the Assam Police for arresting the main accused in the case within 11 days and handing over the accused to the Madhya Pradesh Police.

According to the Bench, such prompt cooperation between state police forces demonstrates how coordinated action can significantly improve the fight against cybercrime.

Key Observations Made by the Court

During the hearing, the High Court made several important observations:

• Cybercriminals are capable of causing substantial financial losses within minutes.
• Police and investigating agencies must adopt technology-driven methods to speed up investigations.
• A national-level centralised cybercrime investigation framework should be developed.
• Better coordination among states is essential to ensure the swift arrest of accused persons.
• Victims of cyber fraud should receive timely investigation and relief through an efficient system.

Next Hearing on July 31

The matter has now been listed for July 31, when the DGPs of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Assam are expected to present their responses before the court through video conferencing. The Jabalpur Superintendent of Police has also been directed to appear in person.

The outcome of the next hearing could influence future measures aimed at strengthening cybercrime investigations and improving coordination among states in tackling online financial fraud.

MP High Court fines lawyer ₹50,000 for suppressing facts to get relief

The Jabalpur bench pulled up the advocate for hiding a previous dismissal order while seeking interim relief from the Indore bench in a teacher recruitment case.

Taking a stern view of professional misconduct, the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Friday imposed a cost of ₹50,000 on an advocate for suppressing crucial facts to obtain a favorable order. The court observed that the counsel deliberately withheld information regarding a previously dismissed petition on the same subject matter to secure interim relief from a different bench.

Justice Vishal Dhagat, presiding over the matter, directed Advocate Dinesh Singh Chauhan to deposit the fine amount immediately with the Secretary of the High Court Legal Services Committee. The court’s intervention came during the hearing of a cluster of petitions related to the primary teacher recruitment process.

Strategic concealment of orders

The matter came to light when the court was hearing arguments via video conferencing. During the proceedings, counsels appearing in related petitions pointed out a significant discrepancy. It was revealed that while the Jabalpur bench had already dismissed a petition on this specific issue on April 6, Advocate Chauhan moved a similar plea before the Indore bench.

By allegedly failing to mention the Jabalpur dismissal, the counsel managed to obtain an interim stay from the Indore bench on April 27. The court noted that such "forum shopping" or suppression of prior rulings undermines the judicial process and wastes the court's time.

Arguments dismissed by bench

Responding to the court’s observation, Advocate Dinesh Singh Chauhan argued that he was not the arguing counsel in the specific petitions that were dismissed earlier. He contended that since he wasn't the 'parokar' (advocate on record) for those dismissed cases, he could not be held responsible for "hiding" facts that were not part of his direct knowledge.

However, the court was not convinced. Justice Dhagat remarked that Chauhan had been appearing in several linked petitions involving the same recruitment issue through video conferencing. The bench noted that it was virtually impossible for a counsel deeply involved in the litigation cluster to be unaware of a major ruling passed just weeks prior.

Irregularities in appearance

The court also highlighted procedural lapses, noting that the advocate had been appearing in the matter without formally filing a ‘Vakalatnama’ (power of attorney) in certain instances. This lack of formal documentation, combined with the failure to disclose the April 6 order, was viewed as an attempt to bypass standard judicial transparency.

"The conduct of the counsel in not disclosing the earlier order passed by this court is unacceptable," the bench noted, emphasizing that advocates, as officers of the court, have a primary duty toward the truth.

Impact on recruitment litigation

The primary teacher recruitment in Madhya Pradesh has seen a wave of litigation over the past year. Legal experts suggest that this latest crackdown by the Jabalpur bench serves as a warning to litigants and lawyers who attempt to get conflicting orders from different benches (Jabalpur, Indore, and Gwalior) by withholding case histories.

The fine of ₹50,000 is intended to act as a deterrent. The High Court has cleared that any attempt to mislead the registry or the bench by suppressing previous dismissals will be met with similar financial penalties and potential disciplinary action.

What lies ahead

The court has now consolidated the records to ensure that the primary teacher recruitment cases are heard on merit without further procedural manipulation. The Secretary of the Legal Services Committee is expected to submit a report once the fine is deposited. For the petitioner's side, the interim relief obtained from the Indore bench now stands under a cloud of scrutiny following these observations by the principal bench.

MP High Court Orders Contempt Case Against BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak

Division bench directs criminal contempt proceedings over alleged attempt to contact judge in ₹443 crore mining recovery matter linked to Pathak family firms

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the registration of a suo motu criminal contempt petition against BJP MLA Sanjay Satyendra Pathak from Vijayraghavgarh in Katni district. The directive came after the court took cognisance of an alleged attempt by the legislator to contact a sitting judge regarding a pending case involving illegal mining and recovery of over ₹443 crore from companies linked to his family.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf passed the order on Thursday while hearing a petition filed by Katni resident Ashutosh Manu Dixit. The bench directed the court registry to register the contempt petition and list it for hearing on April 6, 2026. It also issued notice to Pathak asking why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him.

Judge Recuses from Mining Case

The development traces back to September 1, 2025, when Justice Vishal Mishra recused himself from hearing a writ petition related to alleged excess mining by three companies — Anand Mining Corporation, Nirmala Minerals, and Pacific Export. In his order, Justice Mishra explicitly recorded that Sanjay Pathak had made an attempt to call him to discuss the particular matter concerning the Pathak family’s mining companies. He stated he was not inclined to entertain the writ petition and referred the case to the Chief Justice for reassignment.

Advocate Arvind Shrivastava, appearing for petitioner Dixit along with Puneet Shroti, drew the court’s attention to this disclosure in the order sheet, which included a reference to the recorded conversation attempt. The division bench took serious note of the incident, observing it as a prima facie case of interference in judicial proceedings.

Background of Illegal Mining Allegations

The core dispute revolves around allegations of illegal and excess mining in the Sihora area of Jabalpur district, including operations reportedly on forest land. Ashutosh Dixit first approached the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in Bhopal on January 31, 2025, accusing the companies of failing to deposit substantial amounts due to the government.

Following a preliminary enquiry, an investigation team was formed in April 2025. The team submitted its report on June 6, 2025, recommending recovery of over ₹443 crore from the three firms for mining beyond approved limits. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had also informed the state assembly that the companies had extracted minerals in excess of permissions granted.

Dixit later moved the High Court in June 2025, alleging inaction by authorities despite his complaints. The companies, in turn, filed intervention applications in the matter. Sources indicated that the Pathak family has been associated with the mining business for decades, with no prior major complaints of royalty or tax evasion on record from their side.

Contempt Proceedings and Judicial Response

During Thursday’s hearing, the division bench rejected objections raised on behalf of the MLA and proceeded to initiate suo motu action. The court emphasised the need to protect the sanctity of judicial processes. Petitioner’s counsel highlighted that earlier complaints had not led to prompt action, prompting the move to the High Court.

Sanjay Pathak, a five-time MLA and former minister of state in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government, is often described as a prominent figure in the mining sector in the region. He has not issued any public statement on the latest court order so far.

Impact on Governance and Public Trust

The case has sparked discussions on judicial independence and the boundaries of political influence in ongoing legal matters. Legal experts view the court’s swift response as a strong reaffirmation of the principle that any attempt to influence a judge undermines the administration of justice.

For the mining sector in Madhya Pradesh, the episode highlights ongoing scrutiny over compliance with environmental and regulatory norms, particularly in iron ore extraction zones. The recovery proceedings against the companies are expected to continue independently, with GST implications to be decided separately.

What Lies Ahead

The criminal contempt petition will come up before the court on April 6, 2026, when Pathak is likely to file his response. The matter could have implications for similar cases where allegations of over-mining surface in mineral-rich districts.

Meanwhile, the original writ petition concerning enforcement of the mining recovery has been reassigned and is under active judicial consideration. Authorities in the mineral department continue to monitor compliance and recovery processes.

This incident underscores the judiciary’s zero-tolerance approach towards any perceived interference in its functioning, even as the state government pushes for transparent resource management in key sectors. Developments in the contempt case will be closely watched in political and legal circles across Madhya Pradesh.

MP High Court to begin final hearing on OBC reservation row

The Jabalpur and Indore benches set strict deadlines for resolving the long-standing OBC quota and Bhojshala disputes.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has signaled a decisive end to the protracted legal battle over the OBC reservation hike. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf has clarified that the matter will no longer be deferred. The court has scheduled back-to-back hearings from April 27 to April 29 to reach a final verdict.

Strict timeline for hearings

The court emphasized that no further adjournments would be granted under any circumstances. All parties involved have been directed to present their arguments in full during this three-day window. This decision follows a period of significant delays caused by multiple intervention applications filed over the last few years.

Impact on state recruitment

The dispute stems from the state government's decision to increase OBC reservation from 14% to 27%. This move led to a flurry of litigation, effectively stalling thousands of government recruitments across various departments. Candidates awaiting results for the Latest News Today on state services are hopeful that this final hearing will clear the administrative logjam.

Supreme Court’s intervention

The High Court's renewed urgency follows a directive from the Supreme Court. The apex court had previously set a three-month deadline for the resolution of the reservation issue. While some petitions remain at the central level, the majority have been clubbed together for a comprehensive hearing in the Jabalpur High Court.

Parallel developments in Indore

Simultaneously, the Indore bench of the High Court is set to address the Bhojshala dispute. A division bench featuring Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi has scheduled daily hearings starting April 6 at 2:30 PM. This case involves complex arguments regarding documentation and recent videography surveys conducted at the site.

Legal representation and arguments

High-profile legal teams are expected to appear for the upcoming sessions. During the preliminary discussions, Senior Advocate Salman Khurshid cited recent Supreme Court civil appeals. The state's interest is being represented by Advocate General Prashant Singh, while Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain is appearing for the petitioners.

India News Update: Future Outlook

Legal experts suggest that the court’s firm stance marks a turning point for Madhya Pradesh’s social and political landscape. If the reservation issue is resolved in April, it will pave the way for the Government Updates regarding the release of pending recruitment results. This Public Interest Story remains one of the most followed legal developments in central India.

As the state prepares for these landmark proceedings, the outcome is expected to significantly impact future policy frameworks. For now, all eyes remain on the Jabalpur and Indore benches as they move to conclude these high-stakes cases in the coming weeks.

In a strong push for disability rights, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a show-cause notice over 22,000 vacant posts for disabled persons across state departments. This comes just hours after a single-judge bench led by Justice D.D. Bansal grilled officials on Friday for ignoring earlier orders.

The court targeted Sanjay Shukla, Principal Secretary of the General Administration Department (GAD), and Anurag Verma, Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Warehousing and Logistics Corporation (MPWLC). They must explain why these vacant posts for disabled remain unfilled despite deadlines. The next hearing is set for April 15.

Court Demands Compliance on Old Orders

Petitioner Rajendra Mehra from Narsinghpur highlighted that 22,000 vacant posts for disabled have lingered vacant for years. These include reservations in GAD, MPWLC, and other departments. The court had previously ordered filling them within six months, following instructions from January 30, 2024.

Justice Bansal questioned the state government sharply: Why no action? The bench directed a full compliance report, stressing urgency.

Petitioner's Lawyer Alleges Contempt

Shivam Tripathi, representing Mehra, called it outright contempt of court. "Officers are deliberately flouting orders," he argued. Tripathi urged the court to hold officials accountable, noting repeated delays harm differently-abled citizens relying on these quotas.

This case underscores Madhya Pradesh's ongoing struggle with disability jobs implementation, even as schemes like Ladli Behna and Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Yojana promote inclusion.

Why This Matters Now in Madhya Pradesh

With MPPSC and state recruitments heating up in 2026, this MP High Court notice spotlights a critical gap. Over 22,000 reserved spots mean thousands of qualified disabled candidates miss opportunities. It ties into national trends like the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, pushing 4-5% quotas.

Experts like disability rights activist Dr. Priya Singh note: "Vacancies erode trust in government promises. Courts must enforce timelines for real change."

Actionable Takeaways for Job Seekers

• Track vacancies: Check MPESB and departmental portals for disability jobs alerts.
  
  

• Legal recourse: File PILs if quotas are ignored—courts are responsive.
  
  

• Skill up: Enroll in free government programs like Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana for competitive edge.
  
  

This development pressures the Mohan Yadav government to act fast. Will officials comply by April 15? Stay tuned for updates on vacant posts for disabled in Madhya Pradesh.

A harrowing health crisis has unfolded at the Ankit Sevadham Ashram in Ambodia, Ujjain, where 11 children have lost their lives in a span of just 51 days. The deaths, occurring between November 20, 2025, and January 10, 2026, have sent shockwaves through Madhya Pradesh, prompting the MP High Court to intervene and demand an immediate investigation into the facility’s living conditions.

A Pattern of Tragedy: Timeline of Deaths

The victims, most of whom were aged between 10 and 18 and suffered from multiple disabilities, were brought to the Ujjain District Hospital in critical condition. Despite medical intervention, they succumbed during treatment. According to records from the Government Charak Hospital:

• December 2025: 8 children died.

• January 2026: 3 children have died to date.

Hospital RMO Dr. Chinmay Chincholkar confirmed that post-mortems were conducted under police supervision. Initial findings indicate that severe anemia and pre-existing chronic conditions were the primary causes of death.

High Court Takes Cognisance

The MP High Court took judicial notice of the matter on Wednesday following reports that a total of 17 children have died at the ashram over the past year. The court has issued stern notices to:

1. The Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh.

2. The Principal Secretary of Women and Child Development.

3. The Collector and Commissioner of Ujjain.

4. The Ashram Superintendent.

The authorities have been given two weeks to submit a detailed inspection report. The next hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2026.

Current Crisis: 50 Children Remain Critical

The ashram currently houses approximately 250 orphaned and disabled children. Ashram director Sudhir Bhai Goyal stated that more than 50 children are currently in critical condition. Goyal defended the institution, noting that many children arrive at Sevadham Ashram Ujjain with terminal illnesses, severe malnutrition, or respiratory issues.

"Most of the children coming to the ashram already suffer from serious illnesses. There are many who cannot walk, eat, or even sit up on their own," Goyal explained.

The Indore Connection

Investigations have revealed a link to the Yug Purush Dham Ashram in Indore. Approximately 1.5 years ago, after a similar string of deaths and allegations of mismanagement in Indore, the administration cancelled that facility's recognition. Consequently, 86 differently-abled children were shifted to the Ujjain ashram. Tragically, a significant number of the deceased children in the current Ujjain crisis were among those transferred from the Indore facility.

Conclusion and Outlook

The recurring deaths of vulnerable children in state-monitored care homes raise urgent questions about the quality of medical supervision and nutritional support provided to disabled orphans. While the ashram cites pre-existing conditions, the sheer volume of fatalities in such a short window suggests a systemic failure.