Delhi High Court Orders Joint Inspection After Bar Council Office Flooded

After the Bar Council of Delhi's office was flooded due to heavy rains, causing damage to property and data loss, the Delhi High Court has directed civic authorities to conduct a joint inspection and take remedial measures. The court emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating its impact on the city's global image.

The Delhi High Court has directed civic authorities to conduct a joint inspection following a plea from the Bar Council of Delhi, highlighting severe flooding at its office in the Siri Fort Institutional area after heavy rains last month.

The Bar Council revealed that its office basement was entirely submerged with over 10 feet of water, causing not only structural damage but also a significant loss of data stored by its IT department.

Expressing concern, Justice Sanjeev Narula described the incident as shattering the image of a world-class city. The court has instructed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to take immediate remedial measures and submit a report.

The authorities have acknowledged the record rainfall and pledged appropriate action. The court insisted that a report on the joint inspection be furnished without delay and that measures be taken promptly, without waiting for further court directions.

Senior advocate Ramesh Gupta, representing the petitioner, pointed to an uncleaned nearby drain as a primary cause. He demanded that the authorities clean the drain to prevent future flooding.

The Bar Council's petition calls for necessary arrangements and a standard operating procedure to prevent such crises. The petitioner had sought help from MCD through helpline numbers, but no action was taken, leading to the devastating flood on June 27-28. The matter is slated for hearing next on July 30.