‘Why Were Measures Not Taken in Advance?’ Allahabad HC Summons Officials Over Waterlogging

The Allahabad High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of waterlogging in Prayagraj after incessant rain disrupted normal life and even caused difficulties for judges in reaching the court, resulting in delayed court sittings. Court said the situation was bringing business to a halt and causing “direct interference to the administration of justice".

A bench of Justices Ajit Kumar and Garima Prashad, on August 18, directed the District Magistrate and Municipal Commissioner of Prayagraj to appear and explain why advance measures were not taken to prevent waterlogging, particularly in low-lying areas.

Court directed the District Magistrate and Municipal Commissioner of Prayagraj to appear before it and explain why steps were not taken in advance to ensure that the city did not get waterlogged.

“Why measures were not taken in advance” to ensure that the city, particularly its low-lying areas, did not get waterlogged, the court asked while directing the two officials to appear.

The proceedings were initially registered as Writ-C No. 33377 of 2026, but the court directed its office to treat the matter as a suo motu petition.

Court also directed the Secretary, Urban Development and Planning, Government of Uttar Pradesh to file a personal affidavit by August 20 explaining what plans have been approved to ensure that Prayagraj does not get waterlogged due to incessant rain.

Court directed Advocate General Ajai Kumar Mishra and Additional Advocate General M.C. Chaturvedi to assist it on the next date of hearing.

Moreover, court directed the State's Standing Counsel and Chief Standing Counsel to intimate the concerned authorities about the order. Court also asked the Registrar (Compliance) to communicate the order to all concerned authorities on the same day.

The matter will next be heard on August 20, 2026.

As per news reports, on August 4, Prayagraj received 46.7 mm of rain, but waterlogging was reported across several parts of the city, including Civil Lines, with some roads remaining submerged for hours. The continuous rain had left around two dozen localities waterlogged, with more than 1,000 houses affected, while waterlogging on major roads brought traffic to a halt.

Case Title: In Re Waterlogging In The City Of Prayagraj vs. State Of U.P. Through Secretary, Urban Development And Planning And 2 Others

Order Date: August 18, 2026

Bench: Justices Ajit Kumar and Garima Prashad