Pune: Legal Notice to PMC Over Failure to Implement High Court Orders on Pedestrian Rights
Pune: Legal Notice to PMC Over Failure to Implement High Court Orders on Pedestrian Rights
Pune, April 14, 2026:Â A legal notice has been issued to the Pune Municipal Corporation for alleged non-compliance with directions of the Bombay High Court regarding pedestrian rights in the city.
The notice pertains to Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 141 of 2023, which focuses on ensuring safe and obstruction-free movement for pedestrians across Pune. In its order dated April 3, 2025, the High Court had directed the civic body to fulfil its statutory responsibility of maintaining footpaths and to establish a grievance redressal mechanism at the earliest.
However, the petitioner, Qaneez Sukhrani, has alleged that even a year after the court’s directive, little progress has been made. According to the notice, footpaths across the city remain encroached, damaged, or non-existent in several areas, forcing citizens to raise concerns through protests or legal action.
The petitioner claimed that despite repeated follow-ups, including multiple written communications and meetings with civic officials, no coordinated action has been taken. She had also urged the formation of a committee involving various departments and agencies to address widespread encroachments and ensure compliance with Indian Roads Congress (IRC) standards.
The notice further highlights issues such as illegal occupation of footpaths by vendors and authorities, poor maintenance of subways and foot-over-bridges, and lack of pedestrian infrastructure like signalised crossings.
It also alleges that the PMC has failed to implement a mandatory grievance redressal system, as required under a Maharashtra government resolution issued in November 2025.
The civic body has been given 15 days to act on key demands, including removal of encroachments, repair and construction of footpaths, and submission of a time-bound action plan. Failing this, the petitioner has warned of approaching the High Court again, potentially initiating contempt proceedings.
