Pune Civic Body Faces Legal Notice For Alleged Road Maintenance Negligence
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has been served a legal notice over alleged statutory breaches, negligence, and wilful contempt of a Bombay High Court order. The notice, issued by a concerned public interest petitioner, points to the PMC’s failure to maintain city roads free of potholes and hazards, a neglect that has been linked to a recent fatal accident. This legal challenge underscores a fundamental demand for accountability and a more sustainable, equitable approach to urban governance, where public safety is paramount.
The legal document asserts that the PMC has failed to uphold a solemn undertaking it made to the High Court in February 2025. This commitment involved implementing recommendations from technical advisory committees to ensure roads were defect-free and safe. Despite these promises, hazardous conditions persist across the city, directly contravening the constitutional right to life and safety. The notice details a series of communications from the petitioner over several months, highlighting administrative failures, poor repair quality, and the use of substandard materials, all of which point to a systemic breakdown in the city’s road management.
The notice highlights several systemic deficiencies, including the absence of standard operating procedures (SOPs) that would define accountability for engineers and contractors. A new grievance redressal application, intended to streamline public complaints, has been alleged to be non-functional, hindering citizens’ ability to report issues effectively. Moreover, a key civic initiative known as the ‘Rasta Dattak Yojana,’ designed to ensure regular road upkeep, has been only partially and belatedly implemented. These failures reveal a lack of proactive governance that is inconsistent with a truly zero-net-carbon, equitable, and sustainable city. Poorly maintained roads contribute to traffic congestion and increased fuel consumption, directly impacting environmental goals.
The petitioner has given the PMC a 30-day ultimatum to take corrective action, which includes removing all hazardous conditions, especially at the site of the recent fatal accident, and submitting a detailed action report. This report must include independent quality certification and details of any disciplinary actions taken against erring officers and contractors. Failure to comply could lead to contempt proceedings, with the petitioner seeking to fix personal liability on officials for damages and compensation. The notice serves as a powerful reminder that transparent and accountable governance is not just a legal requirement but a moral imperative for building a safe and prosperous society.
