Chhattisgarh High Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance of Dilapidated Police Quarters; Seeks Personal Affidavit from Police Housing Corp MD - 2025-09-09

Chhattisgarh High Court Takes Suo Moto Action on Dilapidated Police Quarters, Demands Accountability

BILASPUR, CHHATTISGARH – Taking suo moto cognizance of a newspaper report highlighting the perilous living conditions of police personnel, the Chhattisgarh High Court has initiated a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and directed the Managing Director of the Police Housing Corporation to submit a personal affidavit.

The division bench, led by Justice Jyoti Sharma, acted upon a news report published in the 'Dainik Bhaskar' on September 7, 2025, which detailed the dangerously dilapidated state of 34-year-old police quarters in Amanaka, Raipur.

Case Background and Court's Observations

The matter, registered as WPPIL No. 81 of 2025, was brought before the court as an office reference after the news report came to its attention. The report, titled "Terrace stairs collapsed, first floor propped up by poles; 20 families living at God's mercy," painted a grim picture of the housing facilities provided to constables and head constables.

The court noted the key issues raised in the report: - 24 houses in the Amanaka police quarters are completely dilapidated. - The stairs leading to the terrace have already collapsed. - The first-floor stairs are precariously supported by poles. - Approximately 20 families continue to reside in these hazardous conditions.

Arguments and Previous Inaction

The court was informed that despite the Municipal Corporation declaring the buildings dilapidated after a previous incident of collapsing stairs, no concrete action was taken. The houses were neither vacated nor demolished, leaving the resident families in a state of constant risk.

The news report also highlighted a significant administrative lapse. It stated that while Rs. 10 crores had been sanctioned to improve the dilapidated houses and a larger plan of Rs. 400 crores for new constructions was prepared and sent for approval, no tangible progress has been made in the last six years.

Court’s Direction

Finding the situation alarming, the High Court decided immediate intervention was necessary. In its order dated September 8, 2025, the bench stated:

"Looking to the aforesaid situation, at this stage, we deem it appropriate to direct the Managing Director, Police Housing Corporation, Civil Line, Raipur C.G. to file its personal affidavit with respect to the news item as mentioned supra."

The court has sought a direct and personal response from the head of the Police Housing Corporation to explain the inaction and the current status of the quarters and the sanctioned funds.

Final Decision and Implications

The High Court has taken a proactive step to address the welfare of police personnel and hold the responsible authorities accountable. By demanding a personal affidavit, the court has underscored the seriousness of the issue and signaled its intent to ensure the safety and dignity of the police families.

The case is scheduled for its next hearing on September 17, 2025, when the affidavit from the Police Housing Corporation is expected to be presented. The outcome of this PIL will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for addressing the living conditions of state employees and the utilization of public funds for their welfare.