You Follow Rules Abroad, Why Not In India?’: Bombay High Court Slams Littering, Seeks Strict Action

The Bombay High Court reportedly come down heavily on the growing problem of littering in public places, questioning why many Indians follow cleanliness rules abroad but fail to do the same at home. Hearing petitions related to the Kanjurmarg dumping ground in Mumbai, the court stressed that maintaining cleanliness is a shared responsibility and directed civic authorities to take strict action against those who dump garbage in public spaces.

A bench of Justice G.S. Kulkarni and Justice Aarti Sathe made the observations on Friday while hearing petitions over foul smell, pollution and health issues faced by residents living near the Kanjurmarg dumping ground, as per reports.

‘Is this the price of freedom and democracy?’

Expressing concern over the public’s attitude towards cleanliness, the court observed that people who follow waste disposal rules abroad often ignore them in India.

“People throw garbage anywhere in India, but when they go abroad, they follow all the rules. There, they dispose of waste only at designated places,” the bench remarked, asking, “Is this the price of freedom and democracy?”

The judges emphasised that keeping the environment clean is a fundamental responsibility and said awareness must be created among both citizens and municipal officials to ensure roads and public places remain free of garbage.

Court seeks strict action against littering

The High Court directed civic authorities to take firm action against those found throwing garbage in public places.

It observed that while campaigns promoting cleanliness are important, they cannot succeed without active public participation and effective implementation by municipal authorities.

Concern over plastic waste and heritage sites

The bench also expressed concern over the increasing amount of plastic waste in public spaces.

“Even the beaches are filled with plastic. Do we live in a civilised society?” the court asked, warning that garbage and plastic waste pose serious health risks.

Referring to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) ‘Swachh Mumbai’ campaign, the court said the initiative’s objective was commendable but was being undermined by the negligence of both citizens and government machinery.

Civic body told to act within a week

The High Court also criticised the manner in which garbage is collected near heritage landmarks, including the Rajabai Clock Tower and the Bombay High Court building.

It observed that tourists, including foreign visitors, are forced to see heaps of garbage near these iconic locations because of poor waste collection practices.

The court directed the civic body to take appropriate corrective measures within one week, warning that stricter directions would follow if adequate action was not taken.