Bombay High Court Orders ₹6 Lakh Compensation for Pothole Deaths, Fixes Accountability

The Bombay High Court has directed civic and state authorities in Maharashtra to pay ₹6 lakh to the families of those who die due to potholes or open manholes, and between ₹50,000 to ₹2.5 lakh for injuries.

A Division Bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Sandesh D Patil said there’s “no justification” for bad roads in Mumbai, stressing that safe roads are part of the right to life under Article 21.

The Court also ordered strict timelines for repairs, constitution of inquiry committees, and personal accountability of officials and contractors for delays and negligence.

[High Court on its own motion v State of Maharashtra]