Chandigarh: Taking a suo motu action on Tuesday, the Punjab and Haryana High Court heard a case relating to a traffic jam near the High Court roundabout. During the hearing, the Chandigarh Police assured the court that steps would be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Chandigarh DGP present at the hearing
Chandigarh Director General of Police (DGP) Dr Sagar Preet Singh Hooda was also present in the court along with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kanwardeep Kaur and SSP (Traffic) Sumer Pratap Singh.
The division bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry heard the matter after Justice Sandeep Moudgil expressed his unhappiness over the morning congestion. He also alleged mishandling of traffic during the ongoing Haryana Assembly session.
Presenting his concerns before the court, Justice Moudgil noted that several judges got stuck in traffic at around 9:55 AM near the roundabout that leads to the High Court premises. The delay to delay in the commencement of work by 15-20 minutes.
Justice Moudgil added that his personal security officer had to get out of the vehicle to clear the traffic chaos outside the High Court premises. It was further noted that the protesters reached the main gate of the Civil Secretariat barricade during the Haryana Assembly session. The DGP was asked to remain present in high court and explain the reasons behind the heavy traffic.
What did the Chandigarh administration say during the hearing?
The council for Chandigarh administration submitted that the congestion took place after 10 to 12 Opposition MLAs walked towards the Haryana Assembly, about 150 metres away from the High Court roundabout. They were also accompanied by staff, security officers, and media persons, leading to the traffic.
The high court was further informed that nine traffic personnel were deployed at the time of the traffic delay was unusual. The counsel also said that frisking and security checks, were among the reasons behind the longer time taken to clear the traffic.