01 August,2026 12:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Bombay High Court. File Pic
The Bombay High Court on Friday strongly criticised the widespread habit of littering in public places, observing that many people who strictly follow cleanliness rules abroad often fail to do the same in India. The court questioned whether such behaviour reflected the standards of a "civilised society" and called for stricter enforcement of waste management rules.
The observations came during the hearing of a batch of petitions highlighting pollution, foul odours, gas emissions and health hazards faced by residents living near the Kanjurmarg dumping ground in Mumbai's eastern suburbs.
A Bench of Justices G.S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe stressed that maintaining cleanliness is not only the responsibility of civic authorities but also a fundamental duty of every citizen.
"If a person wants a clean environment, then he or she has a corresponding fundamental duty towards society to maintain cleanliness. We want the civic officials to be ruthless in taking action," the court said.
The Bench observed that while many Indians carefully dispose of waste in designated bins when travelling overseas, they often litter roads and public spaces back home without hesitation.
"We have to sensitise our citizens. Here, a person will throw garbage on the road without batting an eyelid, but these same people, when abroad, will strictly avoid such behaviour. Even a small chocolate wrapper they will throw in the dustbin," the court remarked.
It further asked, "Is this the price of liberty and democracy?"
The High Court also expressed concern over the growing volume of plastic waste scattered across public spaces, including Mumbai's beaches.
Referring to the visible accumulation of plastic and garbage, the judges questioned whether such conditions were consistent with a modern urban society.
The Bench observed that the city continues to face serious health and environmental risks because of garbage dumped on roads, footpaths and in residential areas.
It noted that poor waste disposal practices contribute significantly to hygiene concerns and urban pollution.
Referring to the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai's (MCGM) cleanliness campaign slogan, the court said the civic body's objective of maintaining a clean city was being undermined by irresponsible public behaviour and inadequate enforcement.
The Bench observed that while the intention behind the campaign was commendable, it could succeed only if both citizens and civic officials fulfilled their responsibilities.
"It is in these circumstances the role of MCGM's cleanliness machinery wardwise becomes significant, to take all effective steps so that public streets are not used by the citizens as dumping places," the court observed.
It added that failure to implement existing rules effectively would defeat the very purpose of the civic body's cleanliness initiative.
The High Court also raised concerns over the handling of waste by municipal garbage collection vehicles near some of Mumbai's prominent heritage landmarks, including the Rajabai Clock Tower and the Bombay High Court building.
The judges noted that domestic and international tourists visiting these locations often encounter garbage on nearby roads because of improper waste handling and transportation.
The court directed the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai to take corrective measures within a week to address the issue.
It warned that if appropriate action is not taken within the stipulated period, the court would be compelled to issue further directions.
The observations were made while hearing petitions filed over pollution and environmental concerns surrounding the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, where residents have complained of persistent foul odours, gas emissions and associated health risks.
The High Court indicated that improving waste management practices across Mumbai would require stronger civic enforcement as well as greater public awareness, emphasising that keeping the city clean is a shared responsibility between citizens and authorities.
(With inputs from PTI)
