The High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior Bench issued notice to the State of Madhya Pradesh and other respondents on a writ petition filed by Larsen and Toubro Limited, complaining of damage to water pipelines laid under the Jal Jeevan Mission during the execution of optical fibre cable works.
Justice Amit Seth, hearing the matter at the stage of admission, directed issuance of notice to all respondents. The Union of India (Respondents No. 9 and 10) accepted notice through the Deputy Solicitor General, resulting in waiver of formal service upon them. The Court directed the petitioner to supply two complete sets of the writ petition along with annexures to the Union of India within three working days to enable it to seek instructions and file a response. Process fee for service of notice upon the remaining respondents is to be paid within seven working days, with the matter made returnable within six weeks.
During consideration of interim relief, counsel for Larsen & Toubro submitted that the Collector, Shivpuri, by a communication dated November 27, 2025, had informed and requested Respondent No. 7 to take action regarding damage being caused by Respondent No. 8 while laying optical fibre cables. It was contended that the execution of such works had resulted in damage to pipelines laid by the petitioner for implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, and despite the Collector’s communication, no effective remedial action was taken by the authorities concerned.
Taking note of the submissions and subject to hearing the other side, the High Court passed an interim direction restraining further damage to the existing infrastructure. The Court ordered that Respondents No. 7 and 8 shall ensure that, while carrying out optical fibre cable works, no further damage is caused to the pipelines or other infrastructure laid by the petitioner, and that all necessary safety measures are strictly followed until the next date of hearing.
The petition has been directed to be listed after completion of service of notice.
Appearances:
For the Petitioner: Siddharth Sijoria, Madhur Bhargava, Advocates
For the Respondent/State : GK Agarwal Govt Advocate
For the Respondent 9 and 10/UOI: Praveen Newaskar, Dy Solicitor General
