Justice Anita Sumanth and Justice C Kumarappan asked the corporation to submit its counter along with photographs of existing dustbins and details of any proposal to increase their number. The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate S

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Madurai: The Madras high court on Wednesday directed the Madurai Corporation to file a counter affidavit on a plea seeking installation of sufficient dustbins inside the Smart Fruit Market near Mattuthavani and measures to prevent vendors from dumping fruit waste outside the premises.

A division bench of Justice Anita Sumanth and Justice C Kumarappan asked the corporation to submit its counter along with photographs of existing dustbins and details of any proposal to increase their number.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate S Krishnakumar of Madurai, who stated that the market, with around 300 shops, continues to face serious waste management issues despite being part of the Smart City initiative.

He said fruit waste is dumped outside the market due to the absence of a proper disposal system. Although sanitation workers clear the waste every morning, vendors are forced to keep it outside their shops overnight, creating unhygienic conditions. The foul odour, blocked pathways, and stray cattle attracted to the waste have caused inconvenience to residents and traffic congestion, especially during the monsoon.

The petitioner noted that he had filed a similar PIL in 2024, following which the court had directed authorities to act on his representation. However, the corporation later rejected his plea, stating that three dustbins had been installed and that 2–3 tonnes of waste were being cleared daily. It also said penalties were being imposed on those dumping waste in public areas.
Claiming the existing facilities are inadequate for the volume of waste generated, Krishnakumar moved the present petition seeking installation of more dustbins and stricter enforcement. The hearing was adjourned to Oct 15.

nstalled and that 2–3 tonnes of waste were being cleared daily. It also said penalties were being imposed on those dumping waste in public areas.
Claiming the existing facilities are inadequate for the volume of waste generated, Krishnakumar moved the present petition seeking installation of more dustbins and stricter enforcement. The hearing was adjourned to Oct 15.