A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking directives to form a high-level inquiry committee into the deaths of 47 children due to measles.
The petition also calls for the temporary closure of schools until the outbreak subsides.
Supreme Court lawyer Lutef Jahan Purnima filed the writ on Thursday, naming the secretary of the Health Ministry’s family welfare division and other concerned authorities as respondents.
The petition seeks a directive to investigate the deaths and submit a comprehensive report to the court, detailing the number of fatalities, the extent of infections, vaccination coverage, vaccine availability, and measures taken.
It also calls for a full, independent, and time-bound inquiry into alleged failures in ensuring vaccination coverage, vaccine shortages, and delays in preventive action.
The writ further seeks an explanation as to why timely vaccination measures were not taken and requests that the findings be submitted to the court.
According to the petition, failure to ensure timely vaccination, vaccine shortages, inadequate healthcare facilities, and delayed emergency response constitute violations of Articles 27, 31, and 32 of the Constitution.
It also urges the court to direct authorities to immediately launch a nationwide emergency measles vaccination program and ensure an adequate supply of vaccines, syringes, and related logistics.
The petitioner argues that failure to take immediate preventive steps, including contact tracing in schools, despite the ongoing outbreak, reflects negligence and poses a serious risk to public health.
