Delhi High Court Criticises Civic Governance and Freebie Culture, Calls for Urgent Reforms

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 23^rd November.

The Delhi High Court, on Friday (November 22), strongly criticised the state of civic governance in the capital, pointing out the failure of authorities to improve infrastructure and manage crises effectively. The court observed that the political leadership was more focused on slogans and freebies rather than addressing critical issues affecting the city’s development, according to PTI.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora made these remarks while hearing a petition filed by residents of Madrasi Camp in Jangpura, who are facing eviction due to a Public Works Department (PWD) project. The residents, who have lived in the area for over five decades, are being evicted to facilitate the construction of a new flyover. They have demanded alternative housing arrangements.

The court expressed frustration over the diversion of funds toward freebies instead of infrastructure development. “They are only spending it on freebies. Freebies will not make your infrastructure; they will only ensure that you remain where you are,” the bench said, as reported by PTI.

The judges also criticised the political establishment for failing to prioritise long-term urban planning and development. “Today, the only thing the political class is doing is selling slogans, and we are buying it,” the court remarked.

Highlighting the city’s ongoing struggles with recurring crises, the bench noted that Delhi faced a series of disasters this year, including drought, severe flooding, and hazardous air pollution levels. “Look at what we have gone through this year. First, we had a situation of drought and people were going on fast saying there is no water. Then there was flooding and people lost their lives. Now, look at the pollution and AQI levels,” the court observed.

The bench underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle Delhi’s infrastructure issues, stressing that the city is struggling to support its population of 3.3 crore. “Do we have the infrastructure for 3.3 crore people or not? That’s the fundamental issue. We need a huge outlay on expenditure, but we don’t have it,” the judges noted.

The court expressed frustration over the inefficiency of the city’s administrative machinery, which it said had shifted much of the governance burden onto the judiciary. “We have got a very inefficient system and all the organisations are working in silos. The entire load is coming to the judiciary. We are not supposed to be taking care of drains and unauthorised constructions, but half of the day we are doing this, which is not our job,” the bench stated.

The residents of Madrasi Camp, located near the Old Barapullah Bridge, are facing eviction after notices were issued by the PWD in September. They have urged the court to ensure alternative housing before they are displaced.

The court acknowledged the challenges faced by the residents and directed authorities to take a balanced approach, considering both infrastructure development and the rights of affected people.

The Delhi High Court’s observations come amid growing criticism of the city’s handling of crises and infrastructure bottlenecks. The bench emphasised the need for effective governance, urging the political leadership to prioritise long-term solutions over short-term populism.

As Delhi continues to grapple with issues of pollution, overcrowding, and inadequate urban planning, the court’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for systemic reforms.