The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to remove a transformer installed on a road in Mulund by May 7, 2025.
The court’s decision follows a petition filed by the Marathon Maxima Co-operative Housing Society, which raised alarms about the installation’s potential safety hazards. The transformer, situated at the junction of Goregaon Mulund Link Road and LBS Road in Mulund West, was described by the court as an “objectionable installation” posing imminent danger to public safety. Justices Girish Kulkarni and Advait Sethna expressed concern over how such an installation could have been permitted in the middle of a busy road, particularly when BMC’s work on the Goregaon Mulund Link Road is ongoing.
The court’s order emphasized that any mishap during the upcoming monsoon season would result in officials being held accountable for all consequences, including damages and compensation to victims. The directive underscores the judiciary’s proactive stance on urban safety and accountability. The petition, represented by advocate Seema Chopda, included photographs of the open transformer box and exposed high-tension wires leading to it. The court acknowledged the serious safety concerns raised, noting that the installation “certainly indicates imminent danger.”
This ruling adds to a series of recent actions by the Bombay High Court addressing urban safety issues. Earlier, the court reprimanded the Maharashtra government for its negligence in implementing fire safety regulations, stating that the frequency of fire incidents in Mumbai, resulting in loss of life, is “very, very serious.” The court emphasized that no laxness in addressing such issues could be tolerated. In another case, the court directed the state to inform what policy existed or could be framed to handle the issue of vehicles dumped outside police stations on footpaths and roads, blocking pedestrian pathways. The court sought an affidavit from the state by May 7, 2025, when it will next hear the matter.
These actions reflect the judiciary’s increasing involvement in ensuring urban safety and holding authorities accountable for lapses in infrastructure planning and maintenance. The Mulund transformer case serves as a reminder of the critical need for rigorous safety standards in urban planning and the importance of vigilant oversight by municipal and state authorities. As the deadline approaches, residents and local organizations are closely monitoring the situation, hopeful that the court’s intervention will lead to safer urban environments and prompt action from responsible authorities. The case also highlights the vital role of public participation and legal recourse in addressing urban safety challenges.
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