3 min readMumbaiFeb 25, 2026 12:22 PM ISTThe Bombay High Court asked BMC to depute experts to study how developed countries deal with various civic issues and prepare comparative reports on such advanced civic systems.The Bombay High Court on Tuesday asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) if officers of the “richest municipal corporation in Asia” were concerned about the citizens’ lives and queried if they would study how developed countries deal with various civic issues.The HC said the civic body should depute experts to study and prepare comparative reports on such advanced civic systems.A bench of Justices Girish S Kulkarni and Aarti A Sathe, while hearing a plea raising concerns over handling of waste at Kanjurmarg dumping site and poor odour in the vicinity, said that “other states are going far ahead”.The judges said the civic body officers and experts can also visit Ahmedabad city in a “progressive state” of Gujarat to study the types of civic facilities.The judges orally questioned why BMC and other authorities cannot give “advance intimation” through electronic systems/indicators or dedicated FM channels to alert citizens on issues, including flooding, traffic jams, as 4-5 kilometres long queues of vehicles are seen after mishaps.Justice Kulkarni orally remarked, “For example, if you start from Fort area (in South Mumbai) and after you cross J J Hospital/bridge, there is a very heavy rainfall, and you come to know all the roads are closed. The indication/intimation should come when you are in the Fort area. Everyone’s time is important. Or if you are on Coastal Road, and if there is any mishap, then there is a long line of vehicles of 4 kilometres. But you will not be told (in advance). You will be required to wait at the toll booth in Worli. There are hundreds of cars (stuck). This is because you (authorities) do not want to implement any electronic system (for alerts). And then you go and see developed countries…”The judge said that senior citizens and other people with ailments cannot be asked to sit in a car for long hours. “No Commissioner has applied mind. During the 2005 floods, it was like when Rome was burning, Nero was fiddling, and all the FM channels were playing cinema music. We suffered for two days. You (civic authorities) are least bothered,” the judge added.Story continues below this adJustice Kulkarni also referred to recent traffic snarls at the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and said indicators could have been put up at Panvel to ensure other people do not take the Expressway. “Your interest is only in awarding huge toll contracts…thousands of crores will come in cash from all these tolls. But we will not do anything for the common man. This is the approach. We (Mumbai) can be pioneers,” Justice Kulkarni said.Justice Sathe also said that the authorities should “envisage (plan) for the future” like developed countries like Singapore, instead of merely focusing on finding solutions after problems arise.Omkar Gokhale is a journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Mumbai. His work demonstrates exceptionally strong Expertise and Authority in legal and judicial reporting, making him a highly Trustworthy source for developments concerning the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court in relation to Maharashtra and its key institutions. Expertise & Authority Affiliation: Reports for The Indian Express, a national newspaper known for its rigorous journalistic standards, lending significant Trustworthiness to his legal coverage. Core Authority & Specialization: Omkar Gokhale's work is almost exclusively dedicated to the complex field of legal affairs and jurisprudence, specializing in: Bombay High Court Coverage: He provides detailed, real-time reports on the orders, observations, and decisions of the Bombay High Court's principal and regional benches. Key subjects include: Fundamental Rights & Environment: Cases on air pollution, the right to life of residents affected by dumping sites, and judicial intervention on critical infrastructure (e.g., Ghodbunder Road potholes). Civil & Criminal Law: Reporting on significant bail orders (e.g., Elgaar Parishad case), compensation for rail-related deaths, and disputes involving high-profile individuals (e.g., Raj Kundra and Shilpa Shetty). Constitutional and Supreme Court Matters: Reports and analysis on key legal principles and Supreme Court warnings concerning Maharashtra, such as those related to local body elections, reservations, and the creamy layer verdict. Governance and Institution Oversight: Covers court rulings impacting public bodies like the BMC (regularisation of illegal structures) and the State Election Commission (postponement of polls), showcasing a focus on judicial accountability. Legal Interpretation: Reports on public speeches and observations by prominent judicial figures (e.g., former Chief Justice B. R. Gavai) on topics like free speech, gender equality, and institutional challenges. Omkar Gokhale's consistent, focused reporting on the judiciary establishes him as a definitive and authoritative voice for legal developments originating from Mumbai and impacting the entire state of Maharashtra. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd