Delhi High Court dismisses PIL to increase funds for MCD Councillors

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by an elected Councillor of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) seeking directions to increase funds allocated by the Delhi government for MCD councillors to at least ₹15 crores..The Bench of Chief justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela refused to entertain the PIL, advising the petitioner to raise the matter before the MCD’s authorities instead.“We are struggling to secure funds for the Delhi High Court itself, so how can we issue directions to enhance your funds? You should raise the issue in the MCD House," the Court remarked..The petitioner had submitted that inadequate funding was hindering the MCD Councillors from performing statutory duties.The petitioner highlighted that inadequate funding results in the decline of essential public services, including the maintenance of parks, schools, dispensaries, roads, and community centres, which in turn adversely impacts the citizens of Delhi.Public parks in Delhi have become neglected due to water shortages, affecting greenery and safety for the elderly, the plea added. Due to inadequate funding, schools run by MCD also have poor infrastructure, which violated the right to education under Article 21A of the Constitution, the plea said.The petition also raised concerns that key facilities like dispensaries, outdoor gyms, and community centres are in disrepair, thereby depriving citizens of basic health and social services.The petition, filed through Advocate Shalabh Gupta, further pointed out that there were disparities in the allocation of funds, since Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA) received higher funds to discharge their duties.“While MLAs receive 15 crores annually, MCD councilors are allocated only l crore per year, an amount unchanged for decades. This funding disparity undermines the functioning of local governance. Despite multiple appeals, the authorities have not increased funding for MCD councillors," the petition said.