Are public toilets being used as kitchens? Karnataka High Court directs KSLSA to carry out inspection

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday directed the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority (KSLSA) to inspect the condition of public privies and toilets in the State after it was told that some toilets are simultaneously being used as kitchens..A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum, ordered the the member secretary of KSLSA to conduct a survey of the toilets and their condition."BBMP is requested to communicate this order to the Member Secretary of the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority. The Member secretary of the authority shall conduct a survey in respect of toilets, their conditions, including the fact whether water is available therein and whether they are cleaned regularly," the order said..Further, the member secretary was directed to file a status report and forward the same to advocate Vidyulatha, the counsel appearing for KSLSA as well as the petitioner. .The Court was hearing a petition filed by city-based NGO Letzkit Foundation. The petitioner organisation raised concerns over the failure of the BBMP to set up the required number of public toilets and maintain existing toilets in a proper manner as per Section 245 of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act.The petitioner further stated that as per the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) guidelines, there should be one water closet for every 100 males up to 400 persons; and two water closets for every 100 females up to 200 persons, to cater to the floating population. During the hearing, advocate Ramesh Puthige appearing for the petitioner, contended that there are only very few public toilets in the State and the same are also in a pathetic state.The petitioner counsel also informed the Court that some toilets are are being used as kitchens and provided photographs of the same.Hearing this, the Court told advocate Vidyulatha,"But Madam, I can't tell you inspect toilets.""The Member secretary will arrange for the inspection to be carried out, milord," replied Vidyulatha. Accordingly, the order was passed. .Report before Karnataka High Court states fewer public toilets in Bangalore than Chennai, Hyderabad; BBMP directed to take steps for maintenance.In July, the High Court had directed Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to place on record the steps it has taken to improve the poor condition of public toilets in the city of Bengaluru..The matter will be next heard on September 7.