MP HC orders free treatment, seeks status report
The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken stringent action in response to a public health crisis in the city’s Bhagirathpura area, where contaminated drinking water has led to widespread illness and reported deaths.
Expressing strong displeasure over negligence that endangered citizens’ lives, a vacation bench comprising Justice Rajesh Kumar Gupta and Justice B.P. Sharma directed the state government to provide completely free medical treatment to all affected patients.
The court stressed that no laxity in matters concerning public health would be tolerated.
The intervention followed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed earlier in the day by Indore High Court Bar Association president Ritesh Inani, who highlighted the alleged failure of the administration to ensure clean and potable water in a major city like Indore, calling it a fundamental civic responsibility.
Recognising the gravity of the situation and the imminent threat to lives, the vacation bench took up the matter urgently and sought accountability from the authorities.
According to submissions made before the court, the crisis originated from a leakage in the main Narmada water supply pipeline, which was allegedly contaminated by sewage due to a toilet constructed overhead.
Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava told the media that seven deaths had been confirmed so far, linked to severe vomiting and diarrhoea caused by the contaminated water. However, some reports have cited up to nine fatalities, while local residents have claimed the toll could be higher.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced financial assistance for the families of the deceased and ordered the suspension of three municipal officials pending an inquiry into the incident.
The High Court’s swift intervention has intensified pressure on civic authorities, with attention now focused on the status report to be submitted to the court amid growing demands for accountability in what is often described as India’s cleanest city.
— IANS
