In a landmark judgment emphasizing the importance of public infrastructure, the Chhattisgarh High Court, presided over by Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Amitendra Kishore Prasad, issued critical directives to ensure accountability in road construction and maintenance across the state. The case, WPPIL No. 127 of 2021, titled In Re. Roads of Chhattisgarh vs. State of Chhattisgarh & Ors., has brought the state’s infrastructure issues into sharp focus.
Background of the Case
The public interest litigation was initiated to address severe grievances regarding the poor condition of roads in Chhattisgarh, which directly impacts public safety, connectivity, and development. The PIL highlighted delayed projects, substandard maintenance, and the absence of effective monitoring mechanisms.
Senior Advocate Rajeev Shrivastava, assisted by Mr. Prateek Sharma and Mr. Saurabh Shukla, represented the petitioners. On the respondent’s side, the State was represented by Advocate General Prafull N. Bharat, assisted by Mr. S.S. Baghel, while several other parties, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Municipal Corporation Bilaspur, and other state departments, were represented by their respective counsels.
Key Legal Issues
1. Delays in Road Construction Projects:
– The court scrutinized ongoing projects like the Dhaneli-Mandir Hasaud Road and Mopka-Sendri Bypass.
– The Chief Secretary was ordered to submit a personal affidavit detailing progress and current status, supported by documentary evidence.
2. Road Maintenance and Repairs:
– The Municipal Corporation Bilaspur submitted a detailed affidavit citing completion of several road repair works under the court’s previous directives.
– However, the Court noted discrepancies in execution, directing the Amicus Curiae to verify claims.
3. Accountability of Stakeholders:
– The court mandated personal affidavits from key officials, including the Regional Officer of NHAI, Raipur, for progress reports on national highway projects.
– The Court demanded clarity on delays and action plans from all stakeholders.
4. Grievances of Residents:
– Specific complaints, such as unaddressed issues in Shubham Vihar, were acknowledged, with assurances for resolution from the Municipal Corporation.
Court Observations
The Court remarked, “A society that ignores its roads, ignores its progress.” Highlighting the critical role of infrastructure in public welfare, the bench stressed that the failure to maintain roads is a failure to uphold basic governance responsibilities.
Court Directives
– The Chief Secretary must file a comprehensive affidavit with updates on pending projects.
– Amicus Curiae Prateek Sharma was tasked to prepare a detailed report, ensuring discrepancies in the state’s submissions are rectified.
– Municipal Corporation Bilaspur was instructed to address unresolved grievances promptly.
– The case was listed for further monitoring on December 10, 2024.
Road Repair Progress Report
The Municipal Corporation claimed completion of key repairs across Bilaspur, including:
– Mangala Chowk to Uslapur Overbridge
– Magarpara Chowk to Bhartiya Nagar Chowk
– Various residential areas like Patrakar Colony and Swarn Jayanti Nagar.
