The Chhattisgarh High Court on November 13, 2025, took a measured step to address safety and basic amenities at the new Composite Building of the District Collectorate in Bilaspur after a suo motu public interest petition highlighted problems there. The court recorded a personal affidavit from the Secretary of the Public Works Department, who said a recently installed lift was made operational on November 10 and has been granted an electrical safety certificate, while the older lift remains out of service pending replacement parts.
In his affidavit filed on November 12, the Secretary explained that two lifts exist in the Composite Building. One lift was brought into operation on November 10 following inspection and certification from the Electrical Safety Department. The second, older lift is non-functional due to mechanical defects. The responsible company inspected that lift and ordered a replacement mechanical part from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which is awaited. The affidavit states that the old lift is expected to be repaired and returned to service within 15 days.
The court noted that the composite building falls under the management and supervision of the District Magistrate. Accordingly, the Collector and District Magistrate of Bilaspur were directed to ensure that basic amenities are provided across the building and to file a personal affidavit by the next date. The matter is listed for further consideration on November 27, 2025, when the affidavits from the Public Works Department and the District Magistrate will be reviewed.
The order reflects a practical approach. By recording the Secretary’s affidavit and asking the District Magistrate to provide details on other amenities, the court has created a clear, time bound path for accountability. Making one lift operational immediately, backed by a safety certificate, reduces immediate risk to visitors and staff, while the commitment to repair the second lift within 15 days sets a measurable expectation for the administration.
Observers will watch the follow up on November 27 to see confirmation that the older lift has been repaired and that the District Magistrate has filed the promised affidavit detailing steps taken to ensure other basic amenities at the Collectorate. The court’s directions underscore the importance of prompt administrative action when public safety and access are at stake.
Case Details : WPPIL No. 99 of 2025, In the matter of Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation versus The State of Chhattisgarh & Others
