Suo Moto v. State of Rajasthan Country/Territory India Type of court National - higher court Date Oct 20, 2004 Source UNEP, InforMEA Court name Rajasthan High Court Seat of court Jodhpur Judge Anil Dev Singh C.J. Reference number This case was concerned with a petition filed by the Smoke Affected Residents’ Forum. They sought directions from the Court for measures to control and reduce vehicle emissions in Mumbai. In particular, these directions meant to include the availability o Language English Subject Water, Waste & hazardous substances Abstract This case was concerned with a number of suo moto orders issued by the Rajasthan High Court to the local authorities. The city of Jaipur had problems with large amounts of trash, open sewage and polluted water and this meant to order the authorities to clean-up, restore and maintain the city.The Court held that municipal bodies needed to ensure the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution which included the right to a decent environment and the right to live in a clean city.Lack of sufficient funds could not be seen as an excuse for the authorities to avoid fulfilling their obligations.Furthermore, the High Court noted that the State should protect the environment and regulate activities degrading it as well as provide work opportunities and shelter in rural areas in order to combat rural-urban migration.The Court issued directions to the State including directions to plan a waste-management strategy for effective waste disposal and collection, to build night shelters for homeless people and to educate the public on hygiene, environmental protection and respecting the law. Full text www.globalhealthrights.org Website www.globalhealthrights.org