Chhattisgarh High Court says access to roads in reasonable condition is a part of Right to Life
November 18, 2017The Chhattisgarh High Court recently held that it is imperative to have roads in a good condition. This is a part of a right to life and lack of financial resources is not an excuse for municipality bodies to not perform their obligations and duties.
One Pankaj Sahu filed a plea before Chhattisgarh High Court alleging that the people of the city are unable to approach shops for their daily needs and roads of the locality are neither usable nor workable.
Justice Sanjay K Agarwal observed that it is the obligation of municipal authorities and agencies of the state to provide complete means of communication in good and proper condition and citizens are entitled to excellent civic amenities including roads, in workable condition.
The court observed keeping in mind the constitutional right of Right to Life. Every person is entitled to right to life as enjoined under Article 21 of Constitution of India which includes right to live human dignity.
In the present matter, the Municipal corporation has failed to perform his statutory duties by not providing usable and workable roads. The corporation has also failed to fill up the uncovered drains after the alleged removal of encroachment.
Considering this, the court directed the authorities to take effective and proper steps to provide basic civic amenities, including usable roads, covered drainage etc to the residents.