The Supreme Court declined to entertain a writ petition seeking directions to stop untreated sewage discharge into the River Ganga near Manikarnika Ghat. The Court granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the appropriate authorities or the jurisdictional High Court.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi heard the matter. The petition was filed under Article 32 of the Constitution by Badaravada Venugopal, also known as “Baba Khatarnak.” He appeared in person.
The petitioner alleged real-time discharge of untreated human excreta and sewage in Manikarnika Kshetra, Manikarnika Tīrtha, Manikarnika Mahāśmaśāna, and nearby stretches of the River Ganga. He stated that waste enters the river at the Ganga Dwar–Manikarnika interface. Devotees, according to him, collect water from the same stretch as sacred “Gangajal” for ritual use and offerings at the Kashi Vishwanath temple. He argued that this raises serious public health and cultural concerns.
At the outset, the Bench indicated that the issue falls within the policy domain. Addressing the petitioner, the Chief Justice remarked, “Babaji, please go to the High Court.”
The Court noted that the petition sought directions to prevent untreated sewage, raw human waste, overflow, seepage, backflow, or sanitation discharge—whether direct or indirect—from entering the River Ganga. However, the Bench stated that the petitioner must first approach the prescribed statutory authorities. If no redress is granted, he may then approach the jurisdictional High Court.
The Court disposed of the writ petition with liberty to pursue appropriate remedies.
Case Details:
Badaravada Venugopal @ Baba Khatarnak v. Union of India & Ors.
