High Court admonishes Chandigarh administration over filth at Sector-26 market; clean-up demanded immediately

Chandigarh — September 18, 2025 The Punjab and Haryana High Court today sharply criticized the Chandigarh administration for the deplorable conditions prevailing at the Sector-26 fruit and vegetable market (the “mandi”), calling out the presence of unchecked muck, stagnant waste, and inadequate facilities for both vendors and patrons. During the hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation, the Bench led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry expressed strong displeasure, saying that the market was so dirty one could hardly step inside. The administration informed the court that the proposed relocation of the market to Sector-39 is stuck in litigation, specifically due to a stay on the e-auction process for new shops. The court, however, rejected the idea that legal wrangling excuses neglect of basic civic duties. It directed authorities to make temporary but effective arrangements to maintain hygiene, even if the relocation is pending. The court observed that a third-party contractor had been engaged by the Market Committee to handle sanitation and maintenance, but that this contract has not led to substantial improvements. The judge demanded to know what steps have been taken: whether illegal structures have been removed, whether cleaning and security services have been enhanced, and whether vendors have sufficient access and safe walking paths. Evidence was presented that some illegal structures and vendor encroachments had been removed in August. Temporary sheds erected by traders, especially for fruits and apples, and informal stalls in verandas had been taken down. Several “jhuggis” (informal shelters) in and around the market were demolished. But the court asked for photographs and documentation to verify whether this has translated into tangible cleanliness and accessibility improvements. The administration countered that the Supreme Court stay on the e-auction process has prevented the formal move to sector 39. Yet the court reminded officials that until relocation is possible, the ongoing state of filth cannot persist. It pressed for immediate action: regular cleaning schedules, better drainage, removal of waste accumulation, ensuring vendor stalls are organized and pathways clear. Market vendors and consumers have long complained about the unhygienic surroundings, foul smell, blocked paths, and risk of illness. The Sector-26 mandi is a central hub for many residents; its conditions have been deteriorating for months. The court’s concern is not merely aesthetic — it emphasizes public health, safety, and civic dignity. Instructing the administration to submit photographic evidence of remedial steps, the High Court made it clear that its patience is running thin. Overall, today’s order underscores the judiciary’s insistence on immediate, not delayed, civic responsibility. The administration has been put on notice: it must deliver concrete improvements in market hygiene and user safety now, regardless of legal delays in relocation. The public is watching.