In The Matter Of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation Regarding News v. The State Of Chhattisgarh Through Chief Secretary, Mahanadi

: Mr. Shashank Thakur, Additional Advocate General. For Respondent No. 5 : Mr. Atanu Ghosh, Advocate. Court Commissioner : Mr. Pragalbha Sharma, Advocate. For Intervener : Mr. Chandrikaditya Pandey, Advocate. Hon'ble Shri Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice Hon'ble Shri Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, Judge Order on Board 2 Per Ramesh Sinha, Chief Justice 17/06/2026

2. This is an office reference. The present suo motu Public Interest Litigation was registered pursuant to a news report published in the English daily newspaper The Hitavada under the headline “Inter-state bus stand lies unused, turns into den for miscreants”. The report highlighted that the Inter- State Bus Stand situated at Kondagaon, which had been constructed by utilizing substantial public funds, had remained non-operational for a considerable period and was allegedly being misused by anti-social elements. It was further reported that due to lack of maintenance, security and surveillance, the premises had become vulnerable to unlawful activities and the public infrastructure was gradually deteriorating.

3. Taking cognizance of the aforesaid issues, this Court, by order dated 22.03.2025, directed the Secretary, Urban Administration and Development Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, to file a personal affidavit indicating the reasons for non-utilization of the bus stand and the measures proposed for making the same functional. The respondent authorities were also directed to place before the Court the steps taken to ensure proper maintenance and security of the premises.

4. In compliance of the aforesaid directions, detailed affidavits were filed on behalf of the State authorities and the Municipal Council, Kondagaon. From the affidavits placed on record, it emerged that meetings of stakeholders had been convened, directions had been 3 issued to bus operators to ensure stoppage of buses at the newly constructed bus stand, security arrangements had been made through police patrolling, employees had been deployed for maintenance and cleanliness of the premises and CCTV cameras had been installed. It was further informed that the bus stand had been made operational and regular bus services had commenced from the said location.

5. While monitoring the present proceedings, this Court was also apprised of another news report published in The Hitavada dated

19.09.2025 under the heading “Bus stand named after martyr in shambles!” concerning the condition of the Shaheed Khilanand Sahu Bus Stand situated within the limits of Nagar Panchayat, Kharora. The report disclosed lack of lighting facilities, inadequate sanitation, waterlogging, poor maintenance and absence of basic amenities for passengers. Considering the nature of the issues raised therein, this Court directed the Collector, Raipur and the Chief Municipal Officer, Nagar Panchayat, Kharora to file their personal affidavits indicating the measures taken for improvement of the bus stand.

6. Pursuant thereto, affidavits were filed by the Collector, Raipur and the Chief Municipal Officer, Nagar Panchayat, Kharora. The affidavits disclosed that immediate corrective measures had been undertaken, including cleaning of the premises, filling of potholes to prevent waterlogging, electrification, provision of drinking water facilities, whitewashing of waiting areas and improvement of passenger amenities. It was further informed that proposals had been submitted for beautification and renovation of the bus stand and that funds had 4 already been sanctioned for installation of a bust statue and construction of a memorial in honour of Martyr Khilanand Sahu.

7. Subsequently, in order to verify the factual position on the ground, this Court appointed Shri Pragalbha Sharma, Advocate, as Court Commissioner. The Court Commissioner conducted a spot inspection and submitted a report before this Court. The report indicated that although substantial improvements had been made, certain deficiencies still persisted, including non-availability of drinking water facilities in the waiting area, absence of fans and requirement of better arrangements to prevent entry of cattle and improve drainage facilities.

8. Based on the observations made in the report of the learned Court Commissioner, this Court directed the Chief Municipal Officer, Nagar Panchayat, Kharora to file a fresh affidavit indicating the steps taken to remove the deficiencies pointed out in the inspection report.

9. In compliance thereof, an additional affidavit dated 08.03.2026 was filed by the Chief Municipal Officer, Kharora. The affidavit reveals that drinking water facilities have been installed for the benefit of passengers, fans have been installed in the waiting area, permanent railings have been erected to prevent entry of cattle into the bus stand premises and steps have been initiated for construction of a permanent drainage system and ramp. Documents and photographs substantiating the aforesaid developments have also been placed on record.

10. During the pendency of the present proceedings, this Court had also taken note of another news report concerning the condition of the 5 new bus stand at Pandariya, District Kabirdham, published under the heading “New bus stand falls into ruins; animals, miscreants take over premises”. The report highlighted that the structure had become dilapidated and unsafe and that the premises were being misused due to lack of proper maintenance.

11. Pursuant to directions issued by this Court, the Chief Municipal Officer, Nagar Palika Parishad, Pandariya filed a detailed affidavit explaining the prevailing situation. It was stated that the structure in question had become unsafe and unfit for use and, therefore, a decision had been taken by the municipal authorities to dismantle the same after obtaining the requisite permissions from the competent authorities. It was further disclosed that barricading and fencing had already been undertaken to prevent unauthorized entry into the premises and that essential facilities such as water ATM and toilet facilities were being maintained.

12. The material placed on record thus demonstrates that the authorities concerned have taken substantial corrective measures in respect of all the issues which formed the subject matter of the present suo motu proceedings. The Inter-State Bus Stand at Kondagaon has been made functional, CCTV surveillance has been installed and security and maintenance arrangements have been put in place. Similarly, significant improvements have been undertaken at Shaheed Khilanand Sahu Bus Stand, Kharora, and steps have also been initiated with respect to the issues concerning the bus stand at Pandariya. 6

13. The purpose of initiating the present suo motu Public Interest Litigation was to ensure protection of public infrastructure, availability of basic civic amenities and safeguarding of public interest. From the affidavits, reports and documents placed before this Court, it appears that the authorities have acted upon the concerns raised and have taken appropriate remedial measures. The issues which necessitated intervention of this Court have substantially been addressed.

14. At this stage, learned counsel appearing for the intervenor submits that certain grievances of the intervenor survive independently and may require adjudication before the competent forum. It is, therefore, prayed that liberty be granted to the intervenor to pursue such remedies as may be available in law.

15. Having considered the submission and without expressing any opinion on the merits of any claim, contention or grievance sought to be raised by the intervenor, we deem it appropriate to reserve liberty in favour of the intervenor to approach the appropriate forum in accordance with law. In the event such proceedings are initiated, the same shall be considered on their own merits and in accordance with law without being influenced by any observations made in the present proceedings.

16. In view of the substantial compliance of the directions issued by this Court and the corrective measures undertaken by the concerned authorities, we are of the considered opinion that no useful purpose would be served by keeping the present proceedings pending for further monitoring. 7

17. Accordingly, the present Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation stands disposed of. However, liberty is reserved in favour of the intervenor to avail such remedy as may be available under law before the appropriate forum for redressal of any surviving grievance. Sd/- Sd/- (Ravindra Kumar Agrawal) (Ramesh Sinha) Judge Chief Justice Alok