The Court said that it was a “shocking state of affairs” and pulled up the government for its failure to comply with the November 11 order of the court directing it to furnish the data.
The Supreme Court on Monday took strong exception to Delhi government’s failure in furnishing figures concerning daily generation of solid waste across the city
A Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Manmohan said that it was a “shocking state of affairs” and pulled up the government for its failure to comply with the November 11 order of the court directing it to furnish the data.
“We want basic data of generation of solid waste. That data you have not given as well. This is absolutely shocking state of affairs by Delhi Government. They cannot provide simple data even after so many days of our last order,” Justice Oka remarked.
The bench was hearing a case dealing with the deteriorating air quality in and around the national capital.
Today, when the Court questioned the Special Secretary SM Ali about the failure to furnish the data despite the order of the court, he sought more time to comply with the order.
“We will comply with the order. We will immediately asked the concerned bodies to give us data. Kindly allow us some more days,” the Ali submitted.
Unimpressed, the Court proceeded to issue a stern warning to the Delhi government and directed them to furnish the data by December 19. It also directed the Chief Secretary to remain physically present before the Court on the said date.
“Notwithstanding clear direction to chief secretary of Delhi Government, nothing has been done even with respect to data asked. This aspect will be heard on 19 December and we request the Chief Secretary to be physically present before this court. This is complete negligence on the part of Delhi Government,” the Court ordered.
The Bench clarified that contempt of court proceedings will be initiated against the officials of the Delhi government if an affidavit containing details sought by the November 11 order is not submitted by December 18.