NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of deaths in Rajasthan hospitals
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report about the death of eight women and a minor within a week after surgery in government hospitals in Bhilwara and Banswara districts of Rajasthan. The Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
Key facts
NHRC took suo motu cognizance of a media report dated 12 July 2026.
Eight women and one minor died within a week after surgery in gynaecology wards of government hospitals in Bhilwara and Banswara districts, Rajasthan.
Five deaths occurred at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital in Bhilwara district.
Three women and one minor died at Banswara District Hospital.
NHRC issued a notice to the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan government.
The notice demands a detailed report within two weeks.
The Commission considers this a serious violation of human rights if the report is true.
Prelims pointers
- NHRC: National Human Rights Commission
- Suo motu cognizance: taking notice on its own
- NHRC is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
- NHRC can intervene in matters of human rights violations
- Bhilwara and Banswara districts in Rajasthan
Mains angles
- GS2: Role of statutory bodies like NHRC in protecting human rights
- GS2: Issues related to health infrastructure and maternal mortality
- GS2: Accountability of government hospitals and patient safety