‘Authorities can’t play hide and seek’: Bombay HC on why civic participation is needed

The Bombay High Court highlighted on Thursday, October 1, the essential role of civic participation in nurturing a sense of ownership and commitment to societal welfare among citizens. The court emphasized that democracy flourishes when citizens are allowed to "express their grievances and hold elected officials accountable." The High Court emphasized that civic engagement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility in citizens, reinforcing their dedication to the collective well-being of society.

To ensure transparency and accountability, the court recommended the state government establish community oversight committees comprising stakeholders to monitor and evaluate the actions of civic authorities. The bench, consisting of Justices Ajey S Gadkari and Kamal R Khata, dismissed a petition filed by 73-year-old Navi Mumbai resident Sandeep Thakur challenging the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (NMMC) decision to grant concessions to five developers.

The court dismissed the petition as lacking merit, noting that Thakur failed to prove perversity in the NMMC's decision and that the petition was vague. However, the court also stressed the need for transparency in the functioning of state authorities, warning against playing "hide and seek" with the public. The court suggested that civic authorities could engage with citizens by convening meetings to address grievances, proposing solutions, and facilitating direct interaction between citizens and elected officials.

The court also recommended the use of digital platforms for efficient redressal of civic issues when physical meetings were not feasible.