Pune Footpath Issue: PMC Faces Legal Notice Over Non-Compliance with High Court Orders

Pune, 10th April 2026: A fresh legal notice has been issued in connection with Public Interest Litigation (PIL) No. 141 of 2023, highlighting the alleged failure of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to comply with directions of the Bombay High Court on pedestrian safety and infrastructure.

The PIL, filed by petitioner Qaneez Sukhrani, pertains to enforcement of pedestrian rights in the city. In its order dated April 3, 2025, the High Court had directed the PMC to ensure safe and obstruction-free footpaths and to establish a grievance redressal mechanism for citizens at the earliest.

However, more than a year later, the petitioner has alleged that the civic body has failed to implement these directives. According to the notice, footpaths across Pune remain encroached, damaged, or non-existent in several areas, forcing pedestrians to walk on roads and putting their safety at risk.

The petitioner stated that despite repeated follow-ups, including nearly 20 reminders sent between July 2025 and March 2026, no concrete action has been taken. She had also urged the PMC to form a coordination committee led by an Additional Commissioner to address encroachments and ensure compliance with IRC 103:2022 standards for pedestrian infrastructure.

The notice further claims that multiple agencies, including civic departments, traffic police, utility providers, and private companies, continue to occupy or damage footpaths without accountability. Issues highlighted include illegal parking on footpaths, installation of utility boxes, construction activities, and lack of designated hawker zones, all contributing to obstruction of pedestrian movement.

During earlier court proceedings, PMC had assured that it would treat the matter constructively and address complaints promptly. However, the petitioner alleges that even specific issues raised in the PIL have not been resolved, and the condition of footpaths, subways, and foot-over-bridges remains poor.

The notice also points out that PMC has not set up a dedicated grievance redressal system or helpline for pedestrian complaints, as directed by the court. It further alleges non-compliance with a Maharashtra government resolution dated November 10, 2025, which mandates an online complaint platform with a 15-day resolution timeline.

The petitioner has given PMC 15 days to initiate corrective measures, including removal of encroachments, repair and construction of footpaths, maintenance of pedestrian infrastructure, and formation of a coordination mechanism involving all stakeholders.

Failure to act within the stipulated period may lead to further legal action, including contempt proceedings before the High Court, the notice states.