On Wednesday, the Bombay High Court criticized the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), questioning the lack of consideration from its officers regarding the installation of footpath bollards that hinder wheelchair users.

The High Court's division bench, led by Chief Justice Devendra K Upadhyaya and Justice Arif Doctor, presided over a Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation (PIL) triggered by an email from Karan Shah, a 25-year-old resident of Shivaji Park. Shah, a lifelong wheelchair user, prompted the court's attention to the issue.

Karan highlighted in his email that the BMC-installed bollards were creating impassable obstacles for wheelchair users. During Wednesday's session, Senior Advocate Anil Singh, representing the BMC, informed the division bench about the corporation's development of a new 'Footpath Policy' aimed at resolving the predicament faced by wheelchair users.

Singh apprised the bench that the corporation had initiated a survey, having completed assessments in 12 out of 24 wards. He mentioned that implementing the policy would require some time and assured that a one-meter gap between bollards would be ensured.

Responding to this, the division bench instructed the BMC to submit a comprehensive affidavit outlining the survey details and outlining the corrective measures. This was to ensure universal access for differently-abled individuals and senior citizens.

Additionally, the bench verbally commented that action should have been taken against the responsible officers for their oversight in this matter.