MP High Court Establishes Independent Commission to Investigate Indore Water Contamination Tragedy
The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has taken a decisive step by appointing a one-man commission headed by a retired judge to conduct an independent and thorough inquiry into the devastating water contamination tragedy that struck Bhagirathpura. This judicial intervention comes as a response to multiple petitions filed concerning the incident that has raised serious questions about public health infrastructure and water safety protocols in the region.
Judicial Mandate for Independent Investigation
A division bench comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi formally appointed former high court judge, Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta, as the one-man commission during hearings on Tuesday. The court's decision stems from what it described as "the gravity of the allegation affecting the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India." The bench emphasized the critical need for an independent fact-finding exercise to uncover the truth behind the contamination incident that the state government claims resulted in 16 fatalities.
The commission has been vested with powers equivalent to those of a civil court, enabling it to summon officials, demand records from various government departments, and conduct comprehensive spot inspections. This authority extends across multiple state agencies including the Indore district administration, Indore Municipal Corporation, public health engineering department, and the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board, all of whom have been directed to provide full cooperation.
Comprehensive Scope of Investigation
The judicial commission has been tasked with investigating several critical dimensions of the Bhagirathpura water contamination case:
- Determining whether the drinking water supplied to Bhagirathpura residents was indeed contaminated
- Identifying the precise source and nature of contamination, including possibilities such as sewage ingress, industrial discharge, or pipeline damage
- Establishing the actual number of deaths caused by the contaminated water supply
- Examining the spectrum of diseases reported among affected residents
- Assessing the adequacy of medical response and preventive measures implemented
- Recommending immediate steps to ensure safe drinking water for the community
- Suggesting long-term infrastructural improvements and monitoring reforms
Additionally, the commission has been empowered to identify and fix responsibility on officers and officials potentially negligent in their duties. It will also develop guidelines for compensation to affected residents, with particular attention to vulnerable sections of society who may have suffered disproportionately.
Operational Framework and Timelines
The state government has been directed to provide necessary office space, staff, and logistical support to facilitate the commission's investigative work. With its civil court-equivalent powers, the commission can:
- Summon officials and witnesses for testimony
- Call for records from government departments, hospitals, laboratories, and civic bodies
- Order comprehensive water quality testing through accredited laboratories
- Conduct thorough spot inspections of affected areas and infrastructure
The court has mandated that the commission submit an interim report within four weeks from the commencement of proceedings. The high court has scheduled further hearing on the matter for March 5, maintaining judicial oversight throughout the investigation process.
Ongoing Remedial Measures
Alongside establishing the investigative commission, the court has reinforced its earlier interim directions aimed at addressing the immediate crisis. These include ensuring continuous supply of clean drinking water to Bhagirathpura residents, implementing daily water quality testing protocols, and maintaining medical camps through the health department to treat affected individuals.
This judicial intervention represents a significant step toward accountability and systemic reform in water management practices, potentially setting important precedents for how similar public health crises are investigated and addressed across India's urban centers.
