The Supreme Court today sought the response of the Jharkhand government and the Tata Steel company on a plea seeking to declare the steel city of Jamshedpur as a municipality.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra issued notice to the state government, Tata Steel and Jamshedpur Utilities Services Ltd (JUSCO) on a PIL filed by social activist Jawaharlal Sharma, who alleged that the city was being run as a "personal property" by the private firm.
The bench, which also comprised Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, however said the notice would not come in the way of the state government taking a decision in the matter.
It said the state government's decision on the status of the city would depend on the outcome of the case.
Lawyer Prashant Bushan, appearing for the petitioner, said the city was being controlled by Tatas for last 40-50 years and the civic rights of the citizens there were being hampered.
Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for the Tata Group, said "At least, Tata provides better services and you can see the situation in cities run by municipalities".
The plea filed by Sharma said "issue an order replacing the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee by establishing a duly elected Municipal body in accordance with the provisions contained in Part IX-A of the Constitution."
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