The Punjab and Haryana High Court has sharply criticized the Chandigarh Union Territory Administration for outsourcing sanitation services at a major vegetable market, raising concerns over the decline in hygiene and the lack of accountability in essential civic operations. The bench underscored that sanitation in a public marketplace is a core governmental responsibility, not a task to be casually delegated without oversight. The court’s observations come amid complaints of inadequate waste management and deteriorating conditions affecting vendors and consumers. The intervention has reignited debate on the effectiveness of outsourced civic services and the administration’s obligation to ensure safe, sanitary public spaces.
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Court Questions the Need for Outsourcing
The High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the Union Territory’s decision to hand over sanitation duties to an external contractor rather than relying on its own municipal workforce. The bench stressed that vegetable markets, being high-traffic zones with significant daily waste output, require robust and consistent upkeep to safeguard public health.
Judges noted that such responsibilities form the backbone of civic governance and questioned whether the UT Administration had evaluated the risks associated with delegating them to private operators.
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Concerns Over Hygiene and Market Conditions
The court’s observations were prompted by reports indicating irregular cleaning, waste accumulation, and poor maintenance of public spaces within the market. Vendors had voiced concerns about foul odours, blocked drains, and the unsafe disposal of perishable waste—all issues that could lead to contamination and increased health risks for thousands of daily visitors.
The bench emphasized that inadequate sanitation in a wholesale market affects not only traders but also downstream supply chains, including retailers and households across the city.
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Administration Asked to Justify Its Decision
Seeking greater transparency, the High Court directed the Chandigarh Administration to provide a detailed explanation of the decision-making process behind the outsourcing arrangement. Officials are expected to clarify whether a structured evaluation was conducted, how the contractor was selected, and what performance metrics were put in place to ensure accountability.
The court also sought information on monitoring mechanisms and contingency plans to address lapses in service.
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Accountability and Governance Under Scrutiny
The hearing has sparked renewed criticism of the administration’s handling of civic functions. Urban governance experts argue that outsourcing is viable only when supported by strict supervision, regular audits, and clear service benchmarks. In the absence of these safeguards, outsourcing often leads to inconsistent service quality and restricted avenues for redressal.
The High Court’s intervention signals a broader push for higher accountability standards in municipal operations, particularly in areas that have a direct bearing on public health.
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Next Steps in the Proceedings
The matter will come up again after the administration submits its report. The court is expected to assess whether the outsourcing arrangement meets required sanitation standards and aligns with statutory responsibilities for essential services.
Depending on the findings, the court may recommend corrective measures or direct the administration to reassume control of sanitation duties at the market.
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