Court Directs State to Prevent Damage to Infrastructure Amid Optical Fiber Cable Laying
In a significant move, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted interim relief to Larsen and Toubro Limited (L&T), preventing further damage to existing infrastructure due to the ongoing work of laying optical fiber cables. The order, issued by Justice Amit Seth in the Gwalior Bench, comes in response to a petition filed by L&T, highlighting the damage caused to pipelines laid under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The court directed the respondents, including the State of Madhya Pradesh and others involved in the project, to ensure that no further damage occurs to existing infrastructure during the execution of the optical fiber cable work. This directive includes a mandate for the implementation of necessary safety measures until the next hearing.
The petition submitted by L&T pointed out that despite a communication dated November 27, 2025, from the Collector of Shivpuri, detailing the damages caused by the ongoing cable work, no action had been taken by the concerned authorities. L&T urged the court to intervene and prevent further damage to the pipelines crucial to the Jal Jeevan Mission, a government initiative aimed at providing safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections.
Justice Seth, upon hearing the petition, acknowledged the immediate need to address the issue and prevent further infrastructural damage. The court instructed the respondents, particularly respondents No.7 and No.8, to ensure the execution of work does not further compromise the existing infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of safety measures.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's role in balancing developmental projects with the protection of public infrastructure. The case will be listed for further proceedings after the service of notice to all remaining respondents.
Bottom Line:
Interim relief granted to prevent damage to existing infrastructure during the execution of work involving laying down optical fiber cables.
Statutory provision(s): Civil Law, Interim Relief, Damage Prevention
