Bombay HC Nagpur Bench raps officials for sitting on citizens' applications for years

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has strongly criticised government officials who keep citizens' applications and representations pending for years. Saying government officials are servants of the people and not their masters, the court expressed anger.

Petitioner Dilip Thakre had submitted several representations for a service-related demand to the Nagpur Divisional Commissioner and the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad between 2018 and November 2023. No decision was taken on them even after six years, and he had to file a petition in the High Court.

On August 31, 2026, the court had directed the Chief Secretary of the Rural Development Department to inquire into the matter personally and take action against those responsible. However, the secretary asked the Chief Executive Officer of the same Zilla Parishad, against whom the allegations were made, to conduct the inquiry. The court expressed strong anger at this conduct.

The court said citizens have to rush to court because officials do not work on time. It also noted that such petitions waste a great deal of the court's time. The secretary of the Rural Development Department has been ordered to file an affidavit by October 6. It will now be important to see what the court decides next.

In another case, the High Court also criticised a slum rehabilitation project in Chembur. The court said the government is not expected to remain inactive after encroachment on government land. It said protecting public property and ensuring redevelopment is the government's responsibility.

The project, on about 66,000 sq m of government land in Chembur, has been stalled for 20 years. Efforts have been on since 2006, yet not a single brick of redevelopment has been laid. The court remarked bluntly that it is painful and worrying for the government or the authorities concerned to remain silent spectators after allowing public land to be encroached upon openly.

Rupareal Buildcon was appointed developer in 2021, after Adishakti Developers. The High Court refused to remove Rupareal immediately. The court said the developer's large investment and the work done for the project cannot be ignored.

The court observed that a developer cannot be changed on the claim that 51 per cent consent is missing, and that serious legal irregularity is required for that. It held that slum dwellers have a right to rehabilitation, but do not have rights akin to ownership over government land.

It also directed that objections to the developer's appointment be taken to the SRA CEO or the competent authority, and that complaints be decided within six weeks. The administration has been directed to complete the rehabilitation scheme in a time-bound manner rather than leave it on paper. The court also said that, if necessary, eligible slum dwellers could be rehabilitated elsewhere and the land considered for public use.

The High Court observed that it is improper for projects on government land to stall for years because of commercial disputes among private developers. It directed that the government should take an active lead rather than play the role of a "passive landlord".