Deccan Herald      22.08.2012

HC restrains BBMP from renewing toilet contracts

Recognising the
lack of proper maintenance of the public urinals in the City, the
Division Bench of Chief Justice Vikramajit Sen and Justice Aravind Kumar
on Tuesday pulled up the BBMP and directed them to maintain their own
public toilets before evincing interest in giving the contracts to their
own personnel to maintain Nirmala toilets.

“You have missed the bus. If any organisation is ready to take up the maintenance, give it to them,” directed the Bench.

The
petitioner, R Lakshmi Prasad, in his submission had stated that
software giant, Infosys, had constructed 126 toilets in various
localities and entrusted the management of the same to a private
company. After the expiry of licence, the BBMP without calling for fresh
tenders had handed it over to people who are either employees of BBMP
or members of the Palike Employees Association.

Stating that it
is against the law, the petitioner submitted that these toilets are now
maintained badly and sought directions to the respondents.

During
the hearing, when the BBMP submitted that only some of the employees
who are on the verge of retirement, will be given the contract to
maintain the toilets, the Chief Justice said, “It is someone who will
construct and you are making money out of it.”

When the counsel
for BBMP tried to say that it is on their land the toilets have been
constructed, the Chief Justice said, “They have done what you have not
done.” The Bench then questioned the petitioners why can’t they consider
Sulabh International for maintenance of the toilets and directed to
implead them in the petition.