Jaipur, August 1, 2025
In a scathing intervention, the Rajasthan High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the deteriorating condition of Jaipur’s roads, questioning the state’s failure in preserving the heritage city’s basic urban infrastructure. Prompted by recent visuals and reports showcasing flooded streets, broken stretches, and massive public inconvenience, the court asked pointedly: “Will Jaipur remain the pride of Rajasthan or sink under civic neglect?”
The suo motu case was registered by a Bench led by Justice Pramil Kumar Mathur, following a string of disturbing incidents during the monsoon that exposed the severe decay of roads and drainage systems in Jaipur a city celebrated globally for its planned architecture and tourism appeal.
During the preliminary hearing, the Court made strong remarks, noting that:
“Taxpayer money cannot be poured into short-lived road repairs that vanish with the first spell of rain. This is a gross civic failure bordering on contempt of public dignity and the right to a safe environment.”
The court emphasized that poor infrastructure not only affects commute and commerce but also endangers lives. Potholes, open drains, and sinkholes are now routine hazards in areas like Mansarovar, Tonk Road, Gopalpura, and Bani Park. Visuals of cars submerged in muddy pools and motorcyclists thrown off balance by cratered roads have gone viral over the past fortnight.
In a move that signals strict scrutiny ahead, the Court issued notices to:
• Chief Secretary of Rajasthan
• Principal Secretary, Urban Development & Housing
• Commissioners of Jaipur Greater and Heritage Municipal Corporations
• Commissioner, Jaipur Development Authority (JDA)
The Court directed these officials to file:
• A status report identifying damaged roads, reasons for poor quality, and any pending maintenance work.
• A repair and restoration action plan within four weeks, ensuring timelines, budgets, and names of responsible engineers and contractors are included.
• Clarification on fund utilization and tender approvals for past repair works, especially where repeat damages have occurred.
Monsoon Mayhem: Jaipur in Chaos
Since the onset of monsoon, Jaipur has witnessed repeated scenes of urban chaos:
• Newly laid roads washed away within weeks.
• Entire stretches in prime locations submerged in stagnant rainwater.
• Manholes left open without signage.
• Pedestrians forced to wade through knee-deep water or dangerously skirt traffic on broken pavements.
Civic authorities have blamed overlapping jurisdictions and budget delays, but the High Court observed that these excuses cannot override constitutional obligations under Articles 21 and 19(1)(d), which guarantee safe living and mobility.
This intervention comes at a time when Jaipur is already under scrutiny for failing to uphold its status as a UNESCO World Heritage City. Tourists have begun voicing concerns over accessibility and hygiene, while residents allege repeated neglect despite rising municipal taxes.
The Court also hinted at examining contractual liability, suggesting that private contractors may be held accountable for substandard construction and poor drainage planning, and that tenders awarded without transparency will be reviewed if necessary.
Case Title: In Re: Poor Road Conditions in Jaipur – Suo Motu Writ Petition
