Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India, and the State's failure to maintain water supply infrastructure violates this right.

JUDGMENT :

K.V. ARAVIND, J.

1. Heard Sri. L. Ramesh Naik - petitioner/party-in-person and learned Additional Government Advocate Smt. Niloufer Akbar for respondent Nos.1 to 6.

2. The present writ petition has been filed styling it as a public interest litigation, seeking a direction to the respondents to take appropriate and necessary action in respect of the contamination of drinking water in Tumakuru District, Karnataka. A further prayer has been made for issuance of a direction to the respondents to undertake a review of the drinking water sources and to ensure timely maintenance of pipelines and water storage facilities.

3. As stated, the petitioner is a public-spirited individual and an Advocate by profession. It is submitted that the petitioner was previously employed as a Software Engineer and is also engaged in agricultural activities. He is a resident of Tumakuru District. However, he asserts that he has no personal interest, individual gain, or private motive in filing the present public interest litigation. The petition is stated to have been filed in the interest of the public, for the welfare and benefit of the residents of various districts in the State of Karnataka who are allegedly affected by the contamination of drinking water.

4. It is stated that there is neither proper maintenance nor adequate supply of drinking water and related facilities. The residents of various districts are facing acute hardship due to the lack of access to safe drinking water. It is alleged that the drinking water being supplied contains excessive levels of fluoride and is otherwise contaminated. Such contamination is stated to have adversely affected the health of the local population. Despite representations made to the concerned authorities, no effective response or remedial action has been forthcoming. The petitioner, having no other efficacious remedy due to the inaction of the respondent authorities, has approached this Court by way of the present writ petition.

5. Learned party-in-person, Mr. Ramesh L. Naik, submits that several districts in the State are suffering due to the inadequate and unsafe supply of drinking water. It is submitted that the water being supplied by the respondent authorities is not suitable for human consumption, as it is neither properly treated nor free from contamination. The contamination, it is contended, is primarily due to improper treatment and either non-maintenance or poor maintenance of the water supply infrastructure, including pipelines and water storage facilities.

6. Learned party-in-person submits that every individual has a fundamental and statutory right to safe and clean drinking water. It is contended that the failure of the State to ensure the supply of quality drinking water amounts to a violation of the fundamental right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The respondent-State, by its inaction, has failed to discharge its constitutional obligations. In light of the above submissions, the learned petitioner prays for issuance of appropriate directions to the respondent authorities.

7. Learned Additional Government Advocate, Ms. Niloufer Akbar, referring to the statement of objections, submits that Tumakuru District comprises ten taluks. It is submitted that the District faces water scarci