'Access To Drinking Water A Right': Bombay High Court Flags Scarcity In Maharashtra
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Health policy & public health· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra government for failing to provide potable water in the Melghat region, asserting that access to clean drinking water is a fundamental right under Article 21.
Background
The Bombay High Court observed that citizens are still forced to approach courts for basic water access 75 years after independence. The court specifically highlighted the Melghat region's water scarcity and demanded a detailed implementation plan for universal drinking water access.
Facts for Prelims
- ConstitutionArticle 21 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, which includes the right to clean drinking water.
- PlaceMelghat region is a tribal-dominated area in the Amravati district of Maharashtra.
For Mains
Q. To what extent does the judiciary's interpretation of Article 21 mandate the state to ensure universal access to basic amenities like potable water? Discuss.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Institutional accountability: Lack of transparent monitoring mechanisms for rural water infrastructure projects in tribal regions.
- Fiscal-administrative gap: Disparity between state-level water schemes and ground-level execution in geographically challenging terrains.
- Constitutional mandate: Conflict between state resource limitations and the non-negotiable right to life and dignity.
Keywords: Fundamental Rights · Article 21 · Right to Water · Judicial Activism · Public Accountability · Rural Infrastructure
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