SHRC slams NMC over Ambazari accidents, orders immediate repairs
The Commission termed it a serious case of negligence and a gross violation of human rights.
Chairperson Justice AM Badar, while presiding over Suo Moto (Case No. 4915/13/17/2025), stated that the footage clearly revealed NMC's failure to safeguard the lives of citizens and maintain basic road safety. "This state of affairs reflects negligence on the part of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation in protecting the human rights of the residents of the city," the Commission noted in its proceedings.
The particular road stretch falls under the state public works department, and it started repair works on it on Thursday. Even the NMC carried out similar works in Pratap Nagar. But other roads with similar problems remain unattended as roads in the city fall under purview of multiple agencies like Nagpur Improvement Trust, state PWD, NMC, NHAI, etc.
Invoking Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the Commission directed the NMC to submit a factual report within four weeks and to immediately initiate repairs on Ambazari Road to prevent further mishaps or potential fatalities.0
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In a strongly worded interim order, Justice Badar exercised powers under Clause (c) of Section 18 of the Human Rights Act to mandate urgent action by the NMC. The matter will next be heard on September 3, before Court No. 1.
The video, which surfaced on Wednesday, captured the moment several riders were thrown off balance after hitting a dangerously uneven patch between the cement road and adjoining interlocking (I) blocks on Ambazari Road.
Residents say the hazard was left unattended for months despite repeated complaints to authorities.
"This isn't just a civic issue anymore — it's a human rights concern," said locals. "When the system ignores repeated warnings, accountability must come from higher authorities."
The Commission's order comes at a time when NMC is under fire from Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court for poor road design, misalignment, and lack of maintenance. Despite spending over Rs 2,000 crore on converting tar roads to cement, the city has witnessed a surge in accidents — especially at junctions where cement roads meet I-blocks with huge differences. The human rights body has now added legal pressure, demanding swift action before more lives are put at risk.
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