The name of the complainant should not be revealed and, even though the law doesn’t mention this specifically, anonymity should be maintained. Citizens complain, among other things, about illegal construction, encroachment and illegal slums to the BMC. But, instead of thanking the complainants, the civic body is planning to make their name public, so that all the gundas and builders know whom to target.

I was shocked to read the advertisement, which said complaints made by citizens need to be accompanied by proof of education, occupation and identity. Shouldn’t the BMC be more concerned about finding out whether the complaint has merit, and acting on it if it does? What will it do knowing about the complainant’s degrees, or lack thereof, or what he does for a living?