Bombay High Court Demands Answers: A Deep Dive into Maharashtra's Pothole Crisis

In a powerful display of judicial oversight, the Bombay High Court has unleashed a stern directive across Maharashtra, commanding all municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), to furnish comprehensive data on deaths and injuries attributable to the state's notorious potholes.

This critical mandate requires a detailed account of every life lost and every person injured on roads and footpaths since 2018, underscoring the court's escalating concern over public safety.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by petitioner Ruju Thakker concerning the abysmal state of roads, issued this significant order.

The court explicitly demanded information categorising incidents into deaths, serious injuries, and minor injuries caused by treacherous potholes. Crucially, the directive also seeks specifics on the compensation, if any, that has been disbursed to the victims or their families. All this vital information must be compiled and presented to the court by July 16, setting a tight deadline for the often-slow-moving civic machinery.

During the proceedings, the court's frustration was palpable.

Chief Justice Upadhyaya minced no words, stating unequivocally that the deteriorating condition of roads and footpaths across the state is an "extremely serious issue." He lamented the "unacceptable" state of affairs, pointing out that despite numerous previous orders and directives, the fundamental right to safe passage for citizens remains unfulfilled.

The court's consistent stance has been that civic bodies, entrusted with the maintenance of public infrastructure, cannot simply shrug off their responsibility when lives are at stake.

Amicus curiae senior advocate Rui Rodrigues, assisting the court in this ongoing matter, highlighted the persistent failure of authorities to maintain safe roads, a point that resonated deeply with the bench.

The High Court has, on multiple occasions, emphasized that civic bodies are legally bound to ensure pothole-free roads and footpaths, and in cases of negligence leading to harm, they are obligated to provide adequate compensation to the victims. This latest order serves as a powerful reminder of that unwavering judicial expectation.

The collection of this state-wide data is not merely an administrative exercise; it represents a pivotal step towards greater accountability and potential systemic change.

By quantifying the human cost of neglected infrastructure, the court aims to shine an undeniable light on the scale of the problem, making it harder for authorities to deflect blame or delay action. It is hoped that this comprehensive data will serve as a robust foundation for implementing more effective road maintenance strategies and ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future.

As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Maharashtra's civic bodies.

Their response to this judicial summons will not only determine their adherence to court orders but also reflect their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the millions who traverse the state's roads daily. The High Court's resolute stand offers a glimmer of hope that the era of treacherous potholes causing needless suffering might finally be drawing to a close.