Pothole filled roads jolts HC, takes up PIL
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 11 2025: Acknowledging the importance of safe and accessible road infrastructure, the High Court of Manipur has registered a PIL titled "Monitoring of Road Conditions in the State of Manipur" based on suo moto cognizance initiated at the insistence of the Registrar General, High Court of Manipur.

As per a press release, this development follows the submission of a detailed report by the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) revealing widespread and hazardous deterioration of road infrastructure across the State.

The PIL has named the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (PWD), Principal Secretary/Commissioner, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Chief Engineer (PWD) and Chief Engineer, Manipur State Rural Roads Development Agency (MSRRDA) as respondents.

Pothole filled roads jolts HC, takes up PIL

Reliefs sought in the PIL include: issuance of notices to the respondents, a writ of mandamus directing timebound repair and maintenance of critical roads, formation of a Monitoring Committee or appointment of an "Amicus Curiae" (a person or organization that is not a party to a legal case but offers information or expertise to assist the Court in reaching a decision) for compliance oversight and a status report from the State detailing road inventories, tenders, budget allocation, and timeframes for repair and blacktopping.

In this regard, the Division Bench of the High Court of Manipur led by Chief Justice K Somasekhar and Justice A Guneshwar Sharma have issued notices to the respondents through the Advocate General, Manipur returnable by September 8 .

Further, direction has been given to submit the list of all authorities/agencies responsible for the repairing/maintenance of roads, both in the valley and hill districts, so that other necessary parties may be impleaded in the PIL.

Highlighting Constitutional and legal concerns, the PIL emphasized the State's failure to ensure safe and motorable roads for the people, which constitutes a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, the Right to Life.

This includes the right to live with dignity and access to essential services.

Notably, the petition also relies on a recent landmark ruling of the Supreme Court in Umri Pooph Pratappur (UPP) Tollways Pvt Ltd vs MP Road Development Corporation & Another (Civil Appeal No 9920 of 2025), wherein the Apex Court reaffirmed that the right to safe and well-maintained roads forms part of the fundamental rights under Articles 19(l)(g) and 21 .

With the ongoing monsoon season further deteriorating road conditions and increasing accident risks, the PIL has sought immediate judicial intervention to prevent further loss of life, injury, and economic hardship, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, pregnant women and persons with disabilities.

Providing a background of the report submitted by MASLSA, the press release said that the initiative stems from a comprehensive field assessment carried out by all District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) in accordance with a letter issued by MASLSA member secretary on July 15, 2025 .

The DLSAs were instructed to evaluate road conditions within their respective jurisdictions and submit reports focusing on pothole-ridden roads, photographic and GPS-tagged evidence, testimonies from local residents, and any incidents of accidents due to poor road conditions.

Based on the findings from across Manipur's hill and valley districts, a consolidated report was submitted by MASLSA on August 5, 2025 to the Registrar General, High Court of Manipur.

It highlighted the alarming conditions, especially in roads leading to hospitals, Courts, educational institutions, and markets.

The report also recorded public outrage, repeated complaints, protests, and specific incidents involving serious injuries, including to schoolchildren and legal professionals, caused by neglected roadways.