The High Court of Chhattisgarh recently took cognizance of a report in a Hindi newspaper, highlighting the plight of residents in Ward No 19, Kasturba Nagar, Bilaspur.
The report alleged the Municipal Corporation, Bilaspur, had issued a work order for constructing a drainage system in the area, just before the model code of conduct came into force.
The contractor had begun digging work, leaving rubble and debris on the road, causing obstruction and inconvenience to the residents.
The court, taking suo motu cognizance of the matter, registered a public interest litigation petition.
During the hearing, the Additional Advocate General for the State submitted that the area fell under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation, Bilaspur, and it was for them to take note of the situation.
The counsel for the Municipal Corporation, Bilaspur, produced a photograph showing that some cleaning had been done, but the court observed that the road had not been properly cleaned, with a pile of rubble still lying at one end.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal deemed it appropriate to direct the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Bilaspur, to file a personal affidavit regarding the issue before the next date of hearing.
The State respondents were also directed to file their response.
The matter was listed for further monitoring on February 24, 2025.