Bombay HC Slams Litterbugs: 'Clean Abroad, Messy Here'

The Bombay high court has strongly condemned the double standards of Indian citizens who litter public spaces in India while adhering to cleanliness norms when abroad. Justices G S Kulkarni and Aarti Sathe observed that these individuals, who would meticulously dispose of even a small chocolate wrapper in a dustbin overseas, "throw garbage on the road without batting an eyelid" back home. The court highlighted that maintaining a clean environment is a fundamental duty and expressed concern over the vast amounts of plastic waste seen across public areas, including Mumbai's beaches. Judges urged municipal authorities to be "ruthless" in enforcing existing regulations against littering, noting that inadequate enforcement and irresponsible citizen behavior undermine cleanliness campaigns. The court also pointed out issues with garbage handling near landmarks, affecting tourists. A directive was issued for corrective steps within a week.