Indore Water Crisis: MP High Court Prioritises Steps For Safe Drinking Water, Defers Demand For Probe By Retired Judge

Dealing with the a lawyer's plea concerning the recent water crisis in Indore, the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday (January 20) emphasised that ensuring the immediate supply of clean drinking water and medical treatment to affected residents must take precedence.The division bench of Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi deferred the consideration of demand for independent probe by a retired High Court judge into the water contamination incident. The judges orally observed,"But our first priority is that the residents receive pure water and proper treatment... At present, when we are not considering the responsibility of the officers. This is not first priority".As per local news report, eight people, including elderly citizens, had died due to the contaminated water. Additionally, more than 1100 residents were affected within a short span of time, out of whom over 110 required hospitalization.Previously, the Court had issued directions for emergency measures and restoration of clean water, fit for human consumption. It had emphasized that Article 21 also includes the Right to clean and safe drinking water.Yesterday, the petitioner submitted that the High Level Committee constituted by the State to probe the incident included senior officers who were themselves responsible for the incident. Terming the committee an 'eye-wash', the petitioners argued that it lacked credibility. They stated,'23-24 people have died, and the head of the Municipal corporation was promoted. This action (constitution of committee) was nothing but an eye wash. This committee is nothing but a facade'. They repeatedly questioned whether any action was taken against the responsible officers for the alleged lapses and insisted that the committee served only to protect the erring officers. The petitioners further sought the constitution of a committee headed by a retired justice of the High Court to ensure an independent inquiry and suggested the name of Retired Justice Shantanu. The bench, however, clarified that the primary concern at this stage was ensuring the immediate supply of clean drinking water and medical treatment to affected residents. The counsel appearing for the State maintained that effective and immediate measures were taken and presented photographs demonstrating the same. He informed the court that three municipal corporation employees were suspended, and one was terminated.Further, the Chief Secretary, in his submissions, outlined the steps undertaken by the State and submitted that the committee could be empowered to hear and resolve public grievances. He also submitted that post the incident, a Swach Jal Kalyan program was initiated, which convenes weekly to address water-related grievances.Despite this, the court noted inconsistencies between the State's claims and the complaints on record regarding compliance with directions on clean water supply and free medical treatment. The bench orally stated, "You (Chief Secretary) say they are complied with, complaints say they are not complied with. Who will monitor whether directions are complied properly?"Expressing dissatisfaction with the functioning of the senior officials, the petitioners urged that a committee reporting directly to the High Court be constituted.However, the bench deferred this prayer, maintaining that the priority was the well-being and treatment of the affected residents. The bench, in its order, directed,"The petitioners are granted time to file their response to the report of the state government and the corporation. It is directed that the Collector, Indore and the Commissioner, Corporation, shall ensure that the relevant records relating to the subject matter of the petition and the record of tender of laying drinking water line in Bhagirathpura and the sample report, etc., are kept in safe custody".The case is listed for further hearing on January 27, 2026, at 2:30 PM. Case Title: Ritesh Inani v State [WP-50628-2025]Click here to read/download the Order

Indore Water Crisis: MP High Court Prioritises Steps For Safe Drinking Water, Defers Demand For Probe By Retired Judge

Jayanti Pahwa

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