In the case of __________ the court held that it will not allow Municipal Government to state lack of resources as an excuse from its civic services.

The correct answer is 'Municipal Council, Ratlam vs. Vardhichand'

Key Points

• Municipal Council, Ratlam vs. Vardhichand:
  • This landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India in 1980 emphasized the responsibility of municipal authorities to ensure basic civic services, such as sanitation, to the public.
  • The case originated when the residents of Ratlam filed a complaint against the Municipal Council for failing to manage waste disposal and drainage, leading to unhygienic living conditions.
  • The court ruled that the municipal government cannot use a lack of financial resources as an excuse to avoid its statutory obligations. It highlighted that public health and safety are paramount and must be prioritized.
  • This case set an important precedent for holding local governments accountable for their civic responsibilities and ensuring that fundamental rights, such as the right to a clean environment, are upheld.

Additional Information

• Animal Welfare Board of India vs. A. Nagaraj and Ors.:
  • This case is unrelated to municipal responsibilities. It dealt with the regulation of practices like Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport, and the broader issue of animal rights and welfare.
  • The court emphasized the need to balance cultural practices with animal rights under Article 21 (Right to Life) and Article 51A(g) (duty to protect the environment and animals) of the Constitution.
• Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra, Dehradun vs. State of Uttar Pradesh:
  • This case focused on environmental protection and the regulation of limestone quarrying in the Doon Valley to prevent ecological damage.
  • It marked the beginning of environmental jurisprudence in India but does not address municipal responsibilities or civic services.
• M.C. Mehta and Anr. Etc vs. Union Of India:
  • While this case is significant in environmental law and public interest litigation, it specifically relates to issues like industrial pollution and vehicular emissions, including the landmark Ganga pollution and Oleum gas leak cases.
  • It does not deal with municipal accountability for civic services.