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A division bench of the Delhi High Court today directed a law student of Gautampuri area of south Delhi in the capital, to make representations before the concerned authorities in a plea by him seeking basic amenities like clean water, good roads, well-built parks, and established sewer lines for the area.

The student claimed that residents of this area are part of the weaker sections of the society, not even aware about their constitutional rights. He told the court that due to their illiteracy, “they never approached any authorities" and most are in fact, afraid of approaching courts.

Arguing that relevant government departments which are authorized and duty-bound to provide requisite facilities to them have failed to do so, Prasad moved court seeking, inter alia:

- Orders to the Delhi Jal Board to provide clean drinking water for the people of the area 'to ensure people do not have to spend hours at night waiting in line for water';

- Orders to the South Delhi Municipal Corporation to start sewer lines in the entire area immediately, "so that women, children, old and young people can get rid of the problem of open defecation";

- Orders to the Horticulture Department of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation to clear up illegal occupation of public parks and ensure their beautification and maintenance;

- Orders to the Public Works Department to ensure rebuilding of roads and drainage systems "so that people can walk on roads";

- Orders to the Directorate of Education to direct the Delhi government to reserve seats in all private schools of Delhi for children of weaker sections of the Gautampuri area.

Prasad further sought directions for the setting up of an Inquiry Committee to look into work done by the various Delhi governments in the last thirty years and submitted that under the Right to Information Act, 2005, no information had been given in this regard till date.

The Court however said that under the Right to information Act, there are provisions of first and second appeal under Section 17 of the said act and that the petitioner should avail of those remedies.

With regard to the prayer made under the Right to Education Act, the Court said that an individual writ can be filed by parents of children seeking such relief.

Case Title: Shrikant Prasad vs SDMC and ors

Edited by Shreya Agarwal