In response to a petition filed by advocate Amit Panchal highlighting the severe impact of traffic congestion and jaywalkers on citizens, the Gujarat High Court has issued stringent directives to state authorities.

A bench of Justices A Y Kogje and Samir J Dave expressed strong dissatisfaction with the lack of effective measures by the state government, police, and Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) in tackling these issues. 

The deputy municipal commissioner filed an affidavit in court, admitting that there has been no significant improvement in the situation. Slamming the lack of progress, the bench warned that if the situation does not improve, it may need to take further steps.

The court’s reprimand extends to government officials, noting that some use their official vehicles for personal errands. The high court has mandated the municipal commissioner to personally oversee and report on action taken against these violations.

Additionally, the court has observed that while encroachments are periodically cleared, vendors often return to the same locations, signalling  a need for a more durable solution. It has questioned the apparent inaction in removing illegally parked vehicles and instructed authorities to remove such vehicles from public roads and footpaths without delay.

The court stated that lower-ranked police officers had invested in shuttle rickshaws, so action was not taken against them.These officers have a system of code words or signals, so that action is not taken against the violators. Higher-level officers can break the connections, the court said. 

The court’s strict directives aimed at ensuring a cleaner, more accessible public space, set a clear mandate for authorities to act promptly against illegal practices.

The high court directed the government and authorities to implement its orders and submit a status report by August 20. A follow-up hearing has been scheduled for that date.

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