The Delhi High Court on Wednesday disposed of a public interest litigation seeking sanitation measures near Ashram Metro Station, Gate No. 3, directing authorities to facilitate the construction of a public toilet in the area within 4 months.

The petitioner had sought directions for cleaning and sanitation of the area around the metro station and adjoining footpaths, along with installation of CCTV cameras, signage discouraging public urination, and the creation of public toilet facilities.

The Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia observed that the maintenance of sanitation and provision of public toilet facilities is a statutory obligation of civic authorities.

During the hearing, counsel for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi informed the Court that the area concerned falls under the jurisdiction of the Public Works Department, Delhi. It was also submitted that the MCD had written to the PWD on February 23, 2026, requesting space beneath the foot overbridge near the metro station for the construction of a urinal block.

Taking the letter on record, the Court directed the PWD to immediately examine the request and provide suitable space to the municipal authorities for the construction of the facility. The Bench ordered that once the space is made available, the construction of the public toilet must be completed within four months, considering that the tendering process would need to be undertaken.

In the interim, the Court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to install portable or mobile toilets in the area and ensure that sanitation and cleanliness are maintained.

“Till the construction of public toilet is made, the MCD shall provide those toilets are called portable toilets or mobile toilets shall provide the facility of mobile toilets an appropriate place and will also ensure that proper cleaning of the area is done and sanitation is maintained…Maintenance of proper sanitation and provision for public toilet facilities is a statutory duty cast on the authorities.”

The Court also directed that the order be communicated immediately to the concerned authorities so that necessary steps can be taken without delay.