Pune: Wagholi Resident Moves Bombay High Court Against PMC Over Lack of Basic Amenities Despite Tax Collection

Pune, 6th December 2025: Frustrated by the lack of basic civic infrastructure three years after the village was merged into the municipal limits, a Wagholi resident has filed a Writ Petition in the Bombay High Court against the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The petition highlights the “arbitrary and illegal” collection of Property Tax by the civic body while failing to provide essential services like water, roads, and garbage disposal.

Petitioner’s Grievance
The petition, filed by Anil Kumar Mishra (37), a resident of Neo City Phase 1 Co-operative Housing Society on Bakori Road, argues that the PMC has failed its statutory duties. Wagholi was merged into the PMC in July 2021, yet residents claim they are still forced to rely on private service providers for survival while being slapped with heavy property tax bills.

“Double Taxation” Burden
The petition presents a case of financial double jeopardy. According to the documents submitted to the court:

Water Crisis: The petitioner claims the society has not received “a drop of water” from the PMC since the merger. Residents are forced to spend lakhs on private water tankers (Nilesh Water Suppliers).

Garbage Disposal: Despite paying “Cleaning Tax” as a component of Property Tax, the PMC provides no garbage collection. The society pays a private agency (Ashish Sachin Jadhav) for waste removal.

Infrastructure Collapse: The petition includes photographic evidence of roads full of potholes and improper sewage systems that lead to waterlogging and health hazards.

Constitutional Rights Violated
The plea argues that the PMC’s inaction violates the fundamental Right to Life (Article 21) and Right to Equality (Article 14) under the Constitution of India. It terms the collection of property tax without providing services as a violation of the principle of quid pro quo (something for something).
Official Apathy The petitioner states that despite sending legal notices in December 2023 and filing RTI applications regarding the suspension of tax collection (as reportedly announced by Deputy CM Ajit Pawar in March 2024), the PMC has remained unresponsive.

Relief Sought
The Writ Petition (Civil Appellate Jurisdiction) prays for the High Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the PMC to:
Provide immediate and regular water supply.
Ensure proper garbage collection and sewage maintenance.
Construct and maintain pothole-free roads.

Interim Relief:
Direct the PMC to stop collecting Property Tax from the petitioner until these services are actually provided.