HC directs Madurai corpn to repair, relay damaged roads
Madras high court
, while directing Madurai corporation to repair the damaged roads and relay new roads in a phased manner in Madurai city.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by an advocate, S Suresh Kumar Isaac Paul, seeking a direction to the corporation authorities to lay quality roads and ensure proper maintenance of the stormwater drains in the areas within Madurai city limits.
A division bench of justice S M Subramaniam and justice A D Maria Clete observed that the petitioner's grievance is that roads within the limits of Madurai corporation are not maintained properly.
Additionally, the stormwater drains have not been constructed, causing flooding during the rainy season. Due to the damaged roads, users are suffering. The petitioner pleads that his grievances are to be redressed by issuing suitable directions to the corporation authorities.
The judges observed that the court issuing any such general directions may not practically work out. In the event of addressing any specific grievance, that alone may be redressed by issuing suitable directions.
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The corporation is expected to provide basic amenities and infrastructure facilities to the citizens residing in Madurai city. Roads are to be laid properly to prevent accidents and for traffic movements. Areas which require immediate attention are to be identified, and the roads which are damaged are to be repaired immediately. New roads are to be laid in a phased manner according to budget allocations. While laying new roads, the existing roads are to be milled to avoid inconvenience to the residents and commercial establishments adjacent to the roads, in order to maintain the roads at the existing level, the judges observed.
"Providing drinking water, pure air, and infrastructure facilities are the constitutional mandate for the state. The right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution also extends to the provision of these basic amenities, and it must be protected by the state and its authorities. Taking note of all these factors, the authorities shall act in a swift manner to redress the grievances of the people residing in Madurai city," the judges observed and disposed of the petition.
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