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The matter concerns NHRC Case No. 13452/24/7/2025, filed by human rights activist Lenin Raghuvanshi. The NHRC records identify the complainant as Lenin Raghuvanshi of Varanasi and the victims as four newborn babies from the Budaun district.
Four newborn deaths and allegations of inadequate neonatal care
The complaint was submitted to the NHRC on 10 June 2025, following reports concerning the deaths of four newborns at the Budaun Women’s Hospital. According to the complaint, the babies were premature and had low birth weight and required advanced neonatal support, including ventilator or CPAP facilities.
The complaint also highlighted allegations that the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) did not have adequate ventilator facilities. The material submitted with the complaint reported that the hospital had 12 warmers while approximately 17–18 newborns were reportedly admitted at a time. There were also allegations of illegal payments being demanded for access to warmers.
Hospital authorities, however, stated that premature newborns requiring ventilator support were referred to higher-level facilities such as Aligarh or Saifai, and that some families did not agree to take their children for referral. The then District Magistrate also stated that the deaths involved premature babies and that the issue of ventilator availability would be examined.
These competing explanations underline the need for an independent and transparent assessment of the availability of neonatal equipment, referral systems, emergency transport, staffing, treatment protocols and accountability mechanisms.
NHRC had already called for an Action Taken Report
The NHRC had previously considered the matter on 30 January 2026 and directed that a copy of the complaint be transmitted to the Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Uttar Pradesh, with instructions to take necessary action and submit an Action Taken Report.
The ATR was required within four weeks. However, according to the NHRC's subsequent proceedings, more than five months had passed without the required response or intervention from the concerned authorities.
Conditional summons issued
In its proceedings dated 11 August 2026, the Commission directed its Registry to issue a Conditional Summons under Section 13 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, to the Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Uttar Pradesh.
The Secretary has been directed to appear before the Commission on:
14 September 2026 at 11:00 AM
with the requisite Action Taken Report.
Importantly, the Commission has provided an opportunity for compliance: if the required reports are received by the Commission one week before the scheduled hearing, the personal appearance of the concerned authority may be dispensed with.
The NHRC has further warned that failure to comply without lawful excuse may attract the consequences relating to non-attendance under the relevant provisions of the Civil Procedure Code, including possible issuance of a warrant.
A copy of the proceeding has also been transmitted to the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, for information and necessary action.
Why this case matters
The Budaun case raises a broader question about the protection of newborns and premature babies in district-level public healthcare facilities.
For extremely premature or low-birth-weight newborns, timely access to appropriate neonatal care can be critical. A functioning referral system must therefore operate alongside adequate equipment, trained personnel, emergency transport and clear communication with families.
The case also raises questions regarding:
- availability of ventilators and CPAP equipment in SNCUs;
- adequacy of neonatal warmers;
- overcrowding and capacity of neonatal units;
- timely referral of critical newborns;
- availability of emergency transport;
- communication and informed decision-making with parents;
- monitoring of alleged informal or illegal charges;
- accountability when essential medical infrastructure is unavailable; and
- mechanisms to prevent avoidable newborn deaths.
From complaint to institutional accountability
The NHRC proceedings demonstrate the importance of sustained human rights monitoring when allegations concern vulnerable newborns and deficiencies in public healthcare.
The original complaint sought an impartial investigation, justice and compensation for affected families, as well as measures to ensure appropriate medical facilities in the state.
The present conditional summons represents a significant development because the Commission has moved beyond merely calling for information and has required a senior state health authority to account for the absence of the requested ATR.
For human rights defenders and civil society organisations, the case reinforces the principle that access to essential healthcare is closely connected with the protection of the right to life, dignity and the rights of children.
Key case details
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| NHRC Case No. | 13452/24/7/2025 |
| Complainant | Lenin Raghuvanshi |
| Incident date | 8 June 2025 |
| Place | Women’s Hospital, Budaun |
| Victims | Four newborn babies |
| Complaint filed | 10 June 2025 |
| Earlier NHRC proceeding | 30 January 2026 |
| Conditional summons | 11 August 2026 |
| Scheduled appearance | 14 September 2026, 11:00 AM |
| Concerned authority | Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Uttar Pradesh |
The case is now at a crucial stage. The submission of a comprehensive, evidence-based Action Taken Report before the NHRC deadline should clarify what investigation has been conducted, what deficiencies were identified, what corrective measures have been implemented, and what safeguards are being established to prevent similar deaths in the future.
Source: NHRC proceedings and complaint record relating to Case No. 13452/24/7/2025, including the original online diary submitted by Lenin Raghuvanshi.
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