The Delhi High Court on Tuesday dismissed a PIL filed by an MCD Councillor requesting an increase in funds allocated by the Delhi government, seeking to raise the annual amount to at least ₹15 crores per Councillor.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, suggested that the Councillor bring up the issue within the MCD House rather than through the court. “If we are facing challenges in securing funds for the Delhi High Court, it would be inappropriate for us to direct an increase in MCD Councillors’ funds. This matter should be addressed through internal MCD channels,” the bench remarked.
The petitioner argued that the current funding level hampers Councillors’ ability to perform essential duties, affecting the upkeep of public services such as parks, schools, dispensaries, roads, and community centres, which are necessary for citizens’ well-being. The petition claimed that water shortages are causing deterioration in public parks, impacting greenery and safety, especially for senior citizens. Similarly, MCD-run schools reportedly suffer from inadequate infrastructure, impinging on the right to education as outlined in Article 21A.
Furthermore, the petition raised concerns over the declining state of basic facilities, including dispensaries, outdoor gyms, and community centres, due to underfunding. This situation, it argued, deprives residents of access to necessary health and social amenities.
Filed by Advocate Shalabh Gupta, the plea underscored a significant disparity in funding between MLAs and MCD Councillors, with MLAs receiving ₹15 crores annually. At the same time, Councillors are allotted just ₹1 crore—a sum that has remained stagnant for decades. The petitioner argued that this funding gap undermines local governance and limits Councillors’ effectiveness in addressing community needs. Despite multiple appeals to authorities, there has been no increase in funds for MCD Councillors, as noted in the petition.
