The High Court of Madhya Pradesh, sitting at Jabalpur, on Thursday cleared the way for a public hearing on objections related to a proposed drainage (“nala”) plan aimed at preventing waterlogging in the city. The court made it clear that no construction would take place on private land and that residents would get a fair opportunity to be heard before any final decision is taken.
Background of the Case
The matter arose from Writ Petition No. 13962 of 2024, filed by Nidhi Pande and others, complaining of recurring waterlogging issues in a residential area of Jabalpur. Earlier, on March 3, 2025, a coordinate bench of the High Court had disposed of the main petition after the Municipal Corporation assured that effective steps were being taken to prevent water accumulation during the monsoon.
Read also:- Humiliation Is Not Justice: Allahabad High Court Strikes Down Placard Punishment for Student
Those steps included desilting drains, cleaning sewer lines, and removing encroachments. The Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation, Jabalpur, was directed to act in accordance with the affidavit filed before the court.
Why the Matter Returned to Court
The present proceedings were triggered by an intervention application filed by a local resident, who expressed concern that the proposed drainage channel might pass through land adjoining his plot. The intervenor sought clarity and an opportunity to raise objections before the technical authorities finalised their report.
Counsel appearing for the Municipal Corporation informed the bench that a High-Level Technical Committee had already been constituted and that all future actions would be guided by its report.
Court’s Observations
Addressing the intervenor’s apprehension, the bench categorically clarified that “no construction is proposed on any private land or by acquiring any private land.” The judges noted that the concern raised was limited to the alignment of the proposed nala and not ownership issues.
When the intervenor requested a personal hearing before the committee, the court acknowledged that such participation would ensure transparency and public confidence. Although the petitioners initially objected, the bench held that granting a hearing would not prejudice any party.
“The court has only facilitated a fair hearing to all concerned,” the bench observed, making it clear that it was not interfering with the project timeline.
Directions Issued by the Court
Disposing of the intervention application, the High Court laid down a detailed schedule:
- The intervenor must file objections before the Municipal Commissioner by 11 February 2026, 5:30 PM.
- The Commissioner shall forward the objections to the High-Level Technical Committee by 12 February 2026.
- A public hearing will be held on 17 February 2026 at 3:30 PM at the Commissioner’s office, without the need for any separate notice.
- Any affected or interested person may participate and raise objections at the hearing.
- The committee must decide all objections by 23 February 2026 and inform all concerned parties.
Read also:- Calcutta High Court Revives Dowry Death Case, Orders In-Laws to Face Trial in Andaman Mother
Court’s Decision
With these directions, the division bench disposed of I.A. No. 1513 of 2026, reiterating that ongoing drainage work may continue as scheduled, subject to the outcome of the objections process. The court emphasised that it had not extended any deadlines and had merely ensured procedural fairness.
Case Title: Nidhi Pande and Others vs State of Madhya Pradesh and Others
Case No.: WP No. 13962 of 2024
Decision Date: 06 February 2026
