Bombay HC Scolds BMC Over Open Manhole Deaths
HC seeks action report, BMC assures inspection of all manholes
The Bombay High Court has strongly rebuked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over the repeated deaths caused by people falling into open manholes in Mumbai. On Monday, a Bench of Justices Ajey Gadkari and Kamal Khata expressed their displeasure over the civic body's failure to prevent such incidents, despite previous warnings.
The court's reaction came after being informed about the death of 55-year-old Aslam Isak Shaikh, who fell into an open manhole at Sakinaka on July 2. The BMC had refused to assure the court during the previous hearing that there would be no manhole-related deaths this monsoon. The judges criticized the civic body for giving more importance to documents than taking concrete actions to protect human life.
The BMC filed an affidavit stating that the incident was taken seriously by the Municipal Commissioner and the administration. Three civic officials have been suspended, and a committee has been constituted to inquire into the incident and submit a report within seven days. The committee will also recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The BMC has assured the court that all manholes across the city will be inspected within eight days, given the ongoing heavy rainfall.
The BMC counsel, Anil Sakhare, informed the court that a dedicated WhatsApp number would be launched for citizens to report open manholes and missing covers. Complaints will be attended to within 12 hours. The BMC has also resolved 1,325 out of 1,600 pothole complaints received, with the remaining 275 to be addressed shortly.
The court emphasized that human life is precious and questioned why the corporation focused on remedial measures instead of preventing accidents. The judges also expressed displeasure over a committee awarding only Rs 75,000 as compensation for the death of a two-year-old boy who fell into an open stormwater chamber in Thane in November 2025. The Committee for Effective Redressal, Accountability and Timely Implementation has decided to pay Rs 10 lakh as compensation to Shaikh's legal heir.
The Bombay High Court has sought an action taken report from the BMC, emphasizing the need for accountability and concrete actions to prevent such incidents in the future. The court's strong reaction is a wake-up call for the civic body to take the issue seriously and ensure that human life is protected.
The BMC's assurance to inspect all manholes within eight days and launch a dedicated WhatsApp number for citizens to report open manholes is a step in the right direction. However, the court's criticism of the civic body's focus on remedial measures instead of prevention is a concern that needs to be addressed. The BMC must take concrete actions to prevent such incidents and ensure that human life is protected.
In the coming days, the BMC is expected to submit a report on the actions taken to prevent open manhole-related deaths. The court's reaction will be closely watched, and the civic body's response will be crucial in determining the next course of action. The people of Mumbai will be hoping that the BMC takes the court's criticism seriously and takes concrete actions to protect human life.
The incident has also raised questions about the accountability of civic officials and the need for stricter measures to prevent such incidents. The court's emphasis on human life being precious is a reminder that the civic body must prioritize the safety and well-being of citizens. The BMC must take a proactive approach to prevent open manhole-related deaths and ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's strong reaction to the BMC's failure to prevent open manhole-related deaths is a wake-up call for the civic body to take the issue seriously. The BMC must take concrete actions to prevent such incidents and ensure that human life is protected. The people of Mumbai will be closely watching the civic body's response, and the court's criticism will be a crucial factor in determining the next course of action.
