MCD Waste Management Saga: Rylands vs Fletcher Revisited

You must've seen those pics of overflowing trash in Delhi's streets, right? Well, this is a textbook example of Rylands vs Fletcher (1868) L.R. 3 H.L. 330. The local authorities (here, MCD) were found negligent in maintaining waste management facilities, leading to devastating consequences for the residents. This concept deals with strict liability, where the defendant's activities (or lack thereof) cause damage to the plaintiff. Even if the defendant wasn't directly responsible, they can still be held liable if they're engaged in a hazardous or inherently dangerous activity, like waste management in this case. The court found MCD vicariously liable for the damage caused by its contractors. This case sets a precedent for holding authorities accountable for the harm caused by their negligence.