HC Raps State, IMC Over Indore Water Crisis
Madhya Pradesh High Court says contaminated water has damaged city’s national image.
- 17 deaths reported after contaminated water consumption
- Court calls access to clean water a fundamental right
- Warns of civil and criminal liability for negligent officials
- Chief Secretary asked to appear before court
GG News Bureau
Indore, 7th Jan: The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Tuesday came down heavily on the state government and the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) over the contaminated water crisis, observing that the episode has “severely damaged the image of Indore across the country”.
While hearing five petitions on the matter, the court said that a city nationally celebrated as the “cleanest” has now become infamous for supplying “poisonous water” to its residents. Emphasising that access to clean drinking water is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, the bench warned that it would fix civil and criminal liability on officials found guilty of negligence.
So far, 17 people have died in the Bhagirathpura area after consuming contaminated water. On Tuesday alone, 38 new cases of vomiting and diarrhoea were reported, of which six were referred to Aurobindo Hospital. A total of 110 patients are currently hospitalised, including 15 in the ICU. Since the outbreak began, 421 people have fallen ill, while 311 have been discharged after treatment.
Petitioners told the court that despite an order issued on December 31, 2025, directing authorities to ensure safe water supply, contaminated water continues to reach affected localities. They argued that repeated complaints by residents were ignored and that timely intervention could have prevented the deaths.
The court was informed that a proposal for new water pipelines approved by the Mayor in 2022 was stalled due to lack of funds. It was also revealed that in 2017–18, the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board found 59 out of 60 water samples across Indore unfit for drinking, yet no corrective measures were taken.
Calling the lapses a “grave constitutional failure,” the High Court directed the state government and the IMC to file a detailed status report on steps taken to ensure safe water supply. The next hearing is scheduled for January 15, and the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh has been ordered to appear via video conferencing.
