Madhya Pradesh Chief Justice Resigns Over Tribal Child Deaths in Balaghat

Chief Justice Abhijeet Dipke has stepped down from his position in a move that underscores mounting tensions over a public health crisis in Balaghat district, where more than 30 tribal children have died in recent months.

In his resignation letter, Dipke employed pointed language to express his position on the deaths, stating that his conscience would not permit him to continue in the role given the tragic circumstances in the district. The resignation carries implicit criticism of the Madhya Pradesh government's handling of the situation and response to the deaths.

The deaths in Balaghat have raised serious questions about healthcare infrastructure, nutritional standards, and administrative oversight in the tribal-dominated region. The cluster of child fatalities had previously drawn scrutiny from various quarters, including civil rights groups and medical professionals.

Dipke's resignation represents a significant statement from a senior judicial figure on a matter of public health and governance. The move has reignited debate about government accountability and resource allocation in tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh, where healthcare access remains a persistent challenge.