The Delhi High Court on Thursday was scathing in its criticism of all three municipal corporations and PWD, saying that if it were not for the courts, the public would have beaten up the officials by now.
Acting Chief Justice BD Ahmed and Justice Vibhu Bakhru of the Division Bench asked the civic bodies to leave all projects and concentrate on waterlogging and the consequent problem of dengue. Fed up with the persistent chaos during monsoon, the court felt, "It's because of us (courts) that you people are safe. Otherwise, you would have been beaten up by the public. At least respect the court and do your work properly."
The court reprimanded chief engineer and Deputy Commissioner of central zone of South Delhi Municipal Corporation, who were present in court, for inaction and slackness in preventing waterlogging in South Extension-I. "Do you know the power of the courtIJ Do you know what can we do to youIJ When will you remove this blot on yourselfIJ" it demanded while hearing complaints by residents.
The court pulled up corporations for their cleverness in "crafting" certificates that indicate de-silting has been done "alongside" drains. "We are talking about de-silting inside drains," it pointed out. On the assertion that de-silting has been completed, the court warned, "You mean there is no problem in the CapitalIJ If your statements turns out to be false, you will be hauled up for contempt of court."