In a scorching rebuke that cut past bureaucratic decorum, the Delhi High Court tore into the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) for the appalling state of public toilets in the capital, calling out their “complete dereliction of duty.”
The case, prompted by a petition from the Jan Seva Welfare Society, exposed the ground reality behind tall civic claims—grim photographs presented in court showed foul, neglected facilities that the judges said “compound the struggles of women even further.”
Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela weren’t interested in excuses. “It is disheartening and unfortunate,” the Court noted. Despite status reports painting a rosier picture, the photographic evidence suggested otherwise.
“The matter shall be taken up at the highest level,” the Court ordered, directing MCD, DDA, and NDMC to formulate a comprehensive action plan within two months. The plan, it said, must be based on an expert study to ensure toilets are actually usable—not just ticked off on paper.
The Court didn’t stop at legalese. Its sharpest jab came from Justice Gedela: “If this kind of toilet is provided to officers, see what magic will happen. They will be brand new. Even Americans will feel shy.”
The High Court also reminded the authorities—yet again—that basic sanitation isn’t a courtesy, but a constitutional responsibility. Despite an MCD app launched earlier this year for public grievances, the judges made it clear: apps can’t sanitize rot; action can.
