Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 24: The Bombay High Court on Friday came down heavily on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for what it described as a lack of serious effort in enforcing pollution-control measures in the city, warning that it could take the extraordinary step of stopping the municipal commissioner’s salary.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekar and Justice Suman Shyam made the strong observations while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation initiated in 2023, along with connected petitions concerning Mumbai’s worsening pollution levels.

“We have come to the conclusion that there is no genuine or sincere effort on the part of the municipal corporation,” the bench observed. The judges added that the court may issue an order similar to the one proposed earlier against the Navi Mumbai municipal commissioner, indicating possible punitive action.

At the start of the hearing, the court noted serious deficiencies in the affidavit filed by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). The judges pointed out that the document failed to mention 11 pollution-prone sites that had been inspected by a court-appointed committee of advocates tasked with monitoring compliance.

The bench was further displeased that the affidavit had been filed by the city engineer instead of the municipal commissioner, despite clear directions from the court. Terming this a “belligerent disregard” and a violation of its orders, the judges said such conduct could invite strict consequences.

The court warned that it was considering directing the Navi Mumbai municipal commissioner not to draw his salary until further orders, underlining the seriousness with which it views non-compliance in matters affecting public health and environmental safety.