Born in Silence, Lost in Neglect: NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Newborn’s Death at IHBAS
(By: Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
(By: Syed Ali Taher Abedi) updated on 24-09-2025
Delhi, September,23,2025- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken Suo motu cognizance of a media report concerning the death of a newborn at the government-run Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS). According to the report, a destitute patient, admitted to IHBAS on September 7, 2025, under a court order, delivered her baby in the hospital washroom due to lack of proper facilities. Hospital staff reportedly delayed in obtaining a clamp to cut the umbilical cord, and the mother and infant were subsequently rushed by ambulance to the nearby Swami Dayanand Hospital. Despite medical efforts, the infant could not be saved. The NHRC’s intervention underscores concerns over the hospital’s facility preparedness and patient care.
Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Chairman of the NHRC, has issued a notice.
The Commission has noted that, if the media report is accurate, it points to a grave concern regarding human rights violations. Consequently, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of the Government of NCT of Delhi, directing the submission of a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.”
According to the media report, carried on 10th September, 2025, the staff confirmed that the expecting mother was admitted there despite the IHBAS lacking the necessary facilities for childbirth. She is now, reportedly, continuing treatment at another government hospital.
