October 14, 2025: The Bombay High Court has issued a stern directive to Mumbai’s civic and government authorities, holding them accountable for the city’s chronic pothole problem and poor road conditions. Emphasizing that safe and well-maintained roads are a constitutional obligation, the court criticised the continued negligence of municipal bodies in ensuring basic road safety for citizens.
Addressing the recurring incidents of accidents caused by potholes and open manholes, the court announced a compensation scheme for victims. Families of those who lost their lives due to pothole-related accidents will receive ₹6 lakh, while those injured will be compensated between ₹50,000 and ₹2.5 lakh, depending on the severity of their injuries.
The directive came from a division bench, which observed that the indifference of civic authorities towards maintaining Mumbai’s roads reflects a serious disregard for legal and constitutional duties. The judges asserted that ensuring road safety is not merely an administrative task but a legal responsibility that directly affects public welfare.
The High Court further called for personal accountability among officials responsible for road maintenance failures, stating that institutional blame alone is insufficient to bring about meaningful change. It urged civic bodies to adopt a proactive and transparent approach, stressing that the lack of individual responsibility has perpetuated Mumbai’s long-standing road safety crisis.
The court’s observations underline the urgent need for effective coordination between municipal authorities, contractors, and state departments to prevent further accidents and fatalities. It reiterated that despite Mumbai being the financial capital of India and a major contributor to state revenue, its citizens continue to suffer due to poorly maintained infrastructure.
Source: Devdiscourse
