Delhi High Court Rebukes Government for Delaying Infrastructure Report Amid Elections
The Delhi High Court has raised serious concerns regarding the delay in submitting a vital report on the city’s infrastructure reform, with the Delhi government citing impending elections as the reason for the holdup. The court, led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, expressed frustration with the government’s repeated invocation of the model code of conduct during election periods as an excuse for not adhering to deadlines.
“This is a very serious matter, and you are taking shelter of elections?” the bench remarked, referring to the importance of the report, which was intended to revamp the city’s administrative, financial, and physical infrastructure. The court emphasised that such excuses were no longer acceptable and pointed out that if there was a need for more time due to pending consultations, the government should have formally requested an extension instead of citing elections as a shield. The report, which forms part of a broader strategy to overhaul Delhi’s infrastructure, was initially set to be submitted by the Delhi government last year. However, the failure to submit it on time has now led to heightened scrutiny and public concern about the lack of progress in the city’s critical infrastructure development.
Alongside the infrastructure report issue, the High Court also turned its attention to a tragic incident that occurred in July 2024, when three civil services aspirants tragically lost their lives due to flooding in the basement of a coaching centre in Old Rajendra Nagar. The court expressed its concern over the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) and its lack of action regarding the incident. The petitioners have demanded a high-level investigation into the matter, and the Court has asked MCD for an update on any measures taken to prevent similar accidents in the future. “What about the administrative civil liabilities?” the bench asked the MCD representatives, questioning the steps taken against the responsible officials. It was also noted that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was examining the case for possible criminality, with charges pending against certain MCD officials involved in the matter. The High Court’s strong language indicates that it is determined to hold the MCD accountable for ensuring safety and upholding standards in the city.
As the case progresses, the Delhi government faces mounting pressure to meet its commitments regarding both infrastructure reforms and public safety measures. With ongoing talks about the potential redevelopment of key areas in the city and the ever-increasing demand for modern infrastructure, the residents of Delhi are keenly awaiting the government’s next steps. The Delhi High Court’s intervention is a clear reminder that infrastructure development and governance reforms should not be delayed or compromised due to electoral cycles. With the city’s growth and safety at stake, officials are now expected to expedite efforts and demonstrate accountability, ensuring that both immediate concerns and long-term development goals are addressed without further excuses. As the case develops, all eyes will be on the Delhi government and MCD to see how they respond to the court’s criticisms and whether any tangible actions are taken to address the city’s infrastructure woes.
