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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the Central government to promptly consider the proposal forwarded by the Delhi government to elevate fines from Rs. 500 to Rs. 5,000 for activities contributing to mosquito breeding, emphasizing the urgency of tackling the mosquito menace in the capital.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora also directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to furnish a comprehensive status report within three weeks, detailing the prevalence of dengue cases across all 12 zones of Delhi.

The court scheduled the matter for further hearing on March 19, 2024.

The order was issued during the hearing of two suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) petitions addressing the issue of mosquito-borne diseases in the city.

Amicus Curiae Rajat Aneja apprised the court of a recent report submitted by the MCD, revealing a staggering 300% surge in dengue cases in certain zones of Delhi over the past three months. Aneja highlighted the Court's longstanding oversight of the matter and expressed concern over the persistent rise in cases despite ongoing monitoring efforts.

In response, the bench remarked that the increased vigilance by the High Court likely mitigated the situation, preventing a more drastic rise in cases. It emphasized the crucial role of judicial oversight in addressing public health challenges and averting potential crises.

Case Title: Court on its own motion v. North Delhi Municipal Corporation and Ors. (another connected matter)