'People Litter Without Batting An Eyelid': Bombay High Court's Rare Teaching On Civic Sense

Published 1 August 2026 · local

'People Litter Without Batting An Eyelid': Bombay High Court's Rare Teaching On Civic Sense Published By, Last Updated: August 01, 2026, 10:35 IST The Court

'People Litter Without Batting An Eyelid': Bombay High Court's Rare Teaching On Civic Sense Published By, Last Updated: August 01, 2026, 10:35 IST The Court stated that the same people who "throw garbage on the road without batting an eyelid" in India ensure to put "even a small chocolate wrapper" in the dustbin abroad Image for representation: PTI In a rare teaching on civic sense, the Bombay High Court Friday rebuked citizens who litter public places in the country but follow cleanliness rules abroad. The Court emphasised the significance of maintaining cleanliness, while also calling for action against those who violate rules. A Bench of Justices G.S. Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe made the observations while hearing a batch of petitions concerning pollution, foul odour, gas emissions and the resulting health hazards caused by the Kanjurmarg dumping ground in Mumbai, the Times of India reported.

The Court stated that the same people who “throw garbage on the road without batting an eyelid" in India ensure to put “even a small chocolate wrapper" in the dustbin abroad. In a strongly-worded argument, the Bench questioned: “Is this the price of liberty and democracy?" Urging public participation, the Bench stressed that it was essential to keep the city clean. “If a person wants a clean environment, then he or she has a corresponding fundamental duty towards society to maintain cleanliness. We want the civic officials to be ruthless in taking action," said the Court, as quoted by PTI. ‘Sensitise Citizens’ The Court voiced concern over citizens’ attitude towards maintaining cleanliness in public places in India.

“We have to sensitise our citizens. Here, a person will throw garbage on the road without batting an eyelid, but these same people, when abroad, will strictly avoid such behaviour". The Court also expressed concern over the large volumes of waste littering public spaces across Mumbai, including its beaches, which are among the city’s prominent tourist attractions. It asked whether such acts reflected the standards of a “civilised society", according to Times of India. The Bench observed that throwing waste on roads and dumping garbage in narrow lane leads to serious health and hygiene risks to residents. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: August 01, 2026, 10:35 IST News india 'People Litter Without Batting An Eyelid': Bombay High Court's Rare Teaching On Civic Sense Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.