Supreme Court: Mathura Road Pedestrian Crossing Delays Draw Dharna Threat

• Supreme Court Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan expressed strong dissatisfaction over delays in fixing a dangerous pedestrian crossing on Mathura Road.
• The crossing, near the Delhi High Court junction and National Zoological Park, poses a risk to thousands of daily users.
• The Justices humorously threatened to stage a protest at the Delhi High Court main gate if safety measures are not implemented by November 25.
• They questioned the need for a high-level committee for a basic traffic issue, suggesting the inclusion of amicus curiae Gaurav Agarwal.
• The Court issued a strict deadline, indicating that bureaucratic excuses for further delays would not be tolerated.

The Court's willingness to resort to such an informal, yet powerful, form of pressure—the threat of a judicial 'dharna'—demonstrates its commitment to ensuring compliance with its directives.

India's Supreme Court recently issued a stern warning regarding the persistent delays in addressing a critical pedestrian safety concern on Mathura Road. Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan expressed profound dissatisfaction with the slow progress in rectifying a hazardous crossing situated near the Delhi High Court junction and the National Zoological Park. This particular stretch of road is traversed daily by thousands of individuals, including legal professionals, litigants, and children, making its safety paramount.

In a striking and somewhat unconventional declaration, the bench humorously threatened to stage a protest, or 'dharna,' at the main entrance of the Delhi High Court. This extraordinary measure, they stated, would be undertaken if concrete steps to enhance the safety of the Supreme Court Mathura Road pedestrian crossing were not implemented by November 25. The Justices conveyed this message directly to Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Vikramjit Banerjee, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and their personal commitment to seeing the issue resolved.

During the proceedings, the Court, with a blend of levity and seriousness, informed ASG Vikramjit Banerjee that if the necessary work remained incomplete by the stipulated date, both Justices would personally appear at the Delhi High Court's main gate. They vowed not to depart until the improvements were finalized, adding that they would also prevent Mr. Banerjee from leaving. This pointed exchange underscored the Court's growing impatience with bureaucratic inertia, particularly concerning fundamental public infrastructure issues like the Delhi High Court junction safety.

The ASG had informed the bench that a committee was actively examining the matter following high-level discussions. However, the Justices Pardiwala Viswanathan dharna threat highlighted their skepticism, as they questioned the necessity of such a complex bureaucratic process for what they perceived as a straightforward traffic problem. They suggested that instead of forming elaborate committees, the authorities should leverage the expertise of individuals like Gaurav Agarwal, the amicus curiae, who could provide direct insights into the precise nature of the problem and guide the necessary engineering solutions. The Court's remarks, directed at ASG Vikramjit Banerjee regarding the Mathura Road issue, highlighted a desire for practical, swift action over prolonged administrative deliberations.

The Supreme Court's directive was not merely a suggestion but a clear mandate, setting a strict deadline for the resolution of the pedestrian safety issue. The Justices made it unequivocally clear that further bureaucratic explanations or justifications for delay would no longer be accepted. This firm stance reflects the Court's proactive role in public interest litigation infrastructure, pushing for accountability and timely execution of projects that directly impact citizen welfare.

The Court's willingness to resort to such an informal, yet powerful, form of pressure—the threat of a judicial 'dharna'—demonstrates its commitment to ensuring compliance with its directives. This approach signals to all parties involved, from government officials to legal representatives, that the India Supreme Court prioritizes immediate action on matters of public safety. The impending deadline of November 25 now serves as a critical benchmark for the authorities to demonstrate their capacity to address the Mathura Road pedestrian crossing challenge effectively and without further procrastination.

This story demonstrates the Supreme Court's proactive stance in ensuring compliance with public safety directives, even resorting to informal pressure tactics. Lawyers involved in public interest litigation or infrastructure projects should note the Court's impatience with bureaucratic delays and its willingness to impose strict deadlines for implementation, indicating a need for swift action on such matters.

Source: Original reporting via legal news outlet