The Bombay High Court reprimanded municipal officials on Monday for failing to secure open manholes across the city, questioning why safety measures are only prioritized after fatal accidents occur.
A judicial bench consisting of Justices Ajay Gadkari and Kamal Khata rejected the progress reports and affidavits submitted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The court dismissed the civic body’s documented claims of corrective action, characterizing them as ineffective and a mere eyewash.
Monsoon Tragedy Sparks Judicial Scrutiny
The court’s sharp criticism follows the death of 55-year-old Aslam Shaikh, who drowned after falling into an uncovered manhole during heavy rains in suburban Sakinaka on July 2.
The judges emphasized that human lives are of paramount importance and blamed the loss of life directly on the negligence of civic authorities. Pointing out that heavy rainfall during the monsoon season is an annual certainty, the court questioned why the BMC failed to implement preventive measures before the wet season began, rather than reacting only after a tragedy.
Municipal Body Penalizes Officials And Pledges Action
In its Monday affidavit, the BMC detailed its immediate response to the Sakinaka incident. The civic chief held an emergency meeting and suspended four officials responsible for the jurisdiction where the accident took place.
Additionally, the municipal body has established an inquiry committee to investigate the drowning, draft a detailed report, and recommend long-term preventative measures. The BMC also announced that it would provide Rs 10 lakh in compensation to the victim’s family.
Twelve Hour Deadline Set For Open Manholes
Representing the municipal corporation, counsel Anil Sakhare assured the bench that the civic commissioner has committed to preventing similar incidents in the future.
Sakhare stated that all remaining open manholes in the city would be covered within 12 hours. He added that barricades would be placed around any manholes that are temporarily opened for active repair work.
The High Court has scheduled the next hearing on the matter for July 14.
