HC warns of strict action, zero tolerance for traffic disturbance in Gujarat

During the hearing of a petition concerning stray cattle menace, poorly maintained roads, illegal encroachments on public roads and footpaths, and unlawful parking across the state, the Gujarat High Court’s attention was drawn to an incident where a young man, booked by police for obstructing traffic rule enforcement, became the centre of a political controversy.

Certain political elements allegedly launched a social media campaign against the police in his support.

A bench of Justice AS Supehia and Justice RT Vachhaani took serious note of this, stating that if any political persons or elements hinder the execution of the High Court’s orders, their names should be provided in affidavits so that contempt proceedings can be initiated against them.

The court directed the government and authorities that no interference in the implementation of its orders will be tolerated. It warned that the court could initiate suo motu contempt proceedings if necessary. “The time has come for strict compliance with court judgments and directions, enforcement of rules, and proper planning. The law must be upheld at all costs,” the bench observed.

The bench also questioned whether its earlier ruling on stray cattle nuisance—delivered in 2006 by Justice MR Shah and reiterated in a 2018 order—applied statewide.

 The petitioner confirmed that it did, and the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) informed the court that a statewide policy to address the stray cattle problem had been implemented in September 2023. The court sought a status report on the stray cattle situation across Gujarat by the next hearing.

Meanwhile, the authorities informed the court that encroachment removal drives had been carried out along key stretches in Ahmedabad, including SG Highway (Ganesh Meridian, Bopal, Ghuma, Judges Bungalow Road, HL Road, CEPT, and IIM Road), and similar operations would continue in other areas.