Pink City Or Sink City? Rajasthan High Court Takes Suo Motu Notice Of 'Pathetic' Road Conditions In Jaipur

Taking note of the news paper reports detailing pathetic condition of public roads in Jaipur, Rajasthan High Court has initiated a suo-motu case to ensure that the 'Pink City', renowned globally for its rich heritage, does not turn into a 'sink city' crumbled under its infrastructural problems.

The bench of Justice Pramil Kumar Mathur opined that failure to maintain basic civil infrastructure, especially in heritage precincts violated not only the rights under Art. 21 and Art. 19(1)(d) but also the DPSPs under Art. 49; Art. 47 and Art. 48.

The Court observed that Jaipur being the UNESCO World Heritage City, its streets were not merely transport routes, but also corridors of living heritage and poor state of infrastructure undermined Jaipur's global image, discouraged tourism and impacted social livelihood dependent on the tourism economy.

Highlighting the deplorable condition of roads, especially in the monsoon season, the Court opined that,

“The authorities have failed to take timely and durable actions to repair and maintain these roads. Monsoon rains have further exacerbated the condition, leading to situation like floods, exposed manholes, and traffic bottleneck. This inaction of the concerned authorities is not only endangering public safety but is also severely tarnishing the international image of Jaipur as a well planned and heritage protected city in violation of Article 21.”

It was stated that roads constructed using crores of tax-payers' money were often damaged within a day due to poor quality of material and construction. Officials responsible for approving, supervising and certifying the roads often escaped despite visible lapses, and contractors were rarely penalized or blacklisted. Tenders continued to be awarded to habitual offenders.

In this light, the suo-motu cognizance was taken, directing the JDA and the Municipal Coporations to undertake survey of roads and submit report within 2 weeks, and an action plan within 4 weeks on time-line for repairs. Furthermore, an affidavit needs to be submitted explaining:

1. Present conditions and maintenance status of key roads
2. Steps required and upgradation in heritage zones
3. Scheme to tackle the water logging and sewerage problems
4. Information about immediate corrective and punitive measures
5. Names of persons accountable for, sub-standard material and techniques; failing to ensure compliance of technical specifications; for approving bills without proper inspections.

The matter is listed after 10 days from July 30, 2025.

Title: In Re: Jaipur (Public Roads and Its corrective modes)

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