Article 21 Covers Right To Clean Drinking Water: Madhya Pradesh High Court

The Madhya Pradesh High Court held that the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution includes the right to clean drinking water while hearing a PIL over a severe public health emergency in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area caused by contaminated water supply.

The Court noted deaths and widespread illness due to unsafe water and directed authorities to stop water supply from contaminated sources and ensure immediate provision of safe drinking water at government cost.

It also ordered comprehensive testing, medical treatment for affected residents, and long-term corrective measures, and asked the Chief Secretary to appear via video conference.

[Ritesh Inani v. State of Madhya Pradesh]