The Bombay High Court today asked the Maharashtra government if any expert agency has conducted a scientific study in Melghat region of Vidarbha and other tribal areas of the state to tackle the issue of malnutrition deaths and illnesses. A division bench headed by Justice A S Oka was hearing a bunch of Public Interest Litigations (PILs) highlighting the rise in malnutrition deaths and illnesses among those living in the tribal belt of the state especially Melghat region.

The bench today sought to know from additional government pleader Neha Bhide if any overall study was carried out in the concerned areas to understand the problem and come out with suggestions.
"We need an independent scientific study to be carried out by an expert agency. Institutions like the IIT or TISS could be appointed and their expert team could visit the places and understand the issue - health and nutrition wise - and suggest what could be done," Justice Oka said.