The court also summoned Principal Secretary Sanjay Dubey to appear virtually at the next hearing so that any administrative or policy obstacles can be resolved immediately. The bench ordered the municipal commissioner to file a sworn affidavit detailing the funds sanctioned and spent so far on waste collection and disposal, especially at the Kedarpur landfill site, and to present a concrete plan to cover the remaining 30 wards still facing irregular service.
During proceedings, the judges observed that effective supervision by senior officials based in Bhopal would be essential to restore a reliable sanitation system. They suggested introducing a two-shift collection mechanism—morning and evening—to improve efficiency and ensure daily service across all localities. The court also emphasized adopting a “social audit” model and urged authorities to involve subject experts from the city in planning and monitoring cleanliness measures.
The matter reached the court through a petition filed by Sartaj Singh Tomar, who highlighted growing piles of garbage in residential areas, unhygienic conditions, and increasing waste accumulation at the Kedarpur dumping site. He argued that irregular collection posed environmental and public health risks and reflected administrative inaction.
This is not the first judicial intervention in the issue. In September 2025, the court had directed the municipal body to work in mission mode and conduct sanitation awareness campaigns. It also recommended setting up a Corporate Climate Responsibility Fund, on the lines of corporate social responsibility initiatives, to mobilize resources for environmental and waste-management projects. At that time, authorities informed the bench that the corporation had 239 garbage collection vehicles against a requirement of 320, indicating a significant infrastructure shortfall.
Legal observers say the latest order signals the court’s impatience with slow progress and underscores that civic bodies will be held accountable for essential urban services. The case is expected to be heard again after the municipal corporation submits its compliance report and action plan.
