Delhi HC: Open garbage bin, urinal in residential area violate right to life

New Delhi: Emphasising that a hygienic environment is one of the "integral aspects of a healthy life", Delhi High Court recently held that the placement of an open garbage bin and a public urinal in a residential area infringes upon the residents' right to life, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.Justice Amit Bansal directed Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to remove the said facility from the petitioners' neighbourhood in Sita Ram Bazar within four weeks from Feb 16.
The petitioner, represented by Advocate Rachit Gupta, approached the Court after an open garbage bin and a public urinal were placed immediately outside his residence. The structures were reportedly being used by around 150 residents in the locality. He submitted that repeated requests to the authorities to ensure proper sanitation and hygiene around the garbage bin and urinal had gone unanswered.The Court had earlier passed an order in August 2025 directing the removal and relocation of the reported establishment. However, pursuant to the order, the corporation submitted a report explaining the non-feasibility of the alternative site suggested by the petitioner. MCD also reiterated that "regular cleaning" of the urinal was being carried out.The Court, however, deemed such measure "insufficient" to address the violation of the petitioner's rights. Holding that the presence of the open urinals and garbage bin possibly "lead to stench" in the surrounding areas, the court concluded that it constrained residents of the locality to live in a "deplorable condition"..