The Supreme Court on April 2 transferred to the Patna High Court a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the constitution of a high-level expert committee to investigate recurring bridge collapses in Bihar.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar was hearing the PIL, which sought directions for a thorough structural audit and identification of weak bridges that may require demolition or reinforcement.

After reviewing the details provided in the counter affidavit filed by the State of Bihar, the bench decided to transfer the petition. The CJI remarked, "We have gone through the counter, and we are transferring it to the Patna High Court. The counter details the inspections and actions undertaken."

During the proceedings, the petitioner's counsel emphasized that despite multiple instances of bridge collapses, no third-party inspection had been conducted. Justice Kumar noted, "Three under-construction bridges collapsed! Officials were suspended briefly and then reinstated. Everyone is hand in glove."

The State's counsel informed the bench that departmental proceedings against the officials concerned were underway and that over 10,000 bridges had already been inspected.

Observing the gravity of the issue, the CJI stated, "We will transfer it to the High Court, let them monitor it on a monthly basis." The court subsequently directed the registry to transfer the case files to the Patna High Court within four weeks, with the parties required to appear before the High Court on May 14, 2025.

The PIL was originally filed in July 2024, following reports of at least nine bridge collapses, including under-construction structures. A previous bench, led by then CJI DY Chandrachud along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, had issued notice on the matter.

The petition underscores grave concerns about the safety and reliability of Bihar’s bridge infrastructure, particularly in a state that is the most flood-prone in India. Bihar’s total flood-affected area spans 68,800 sq. km, covering 73.06% of its geographical area. Given the state's vulnerability, the frequent collapse of bridges poses a significant threat to public safety.

The petitioner highlighted multiple collapses in flood-prone districts, including Araria, Siwan, Madhubani, and Kishanganj, and called for immediate judicial intervention. The plea also sought real-time bridge monitoring using the methodology prescribed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in its policy dated March 4, 2024, for the preservation of national highways.

Case Details:
Brijesh Singh vs. The State of Bihar
W.P.(C) No. 000462 / 2024