Supreme Court Upholds Rajasthan High Court's 2018 Order on Jaipur Traffic Regulation
The Supreme Court of India, on Tuesday, declined to interfere with the directions issued by the Rajasthan High Court in 2018, which aimed to regulate public events and traffic movement around key institutional areas in Jaipur. This decision affects prominent locations such as Amrudon Ka Bagh, Ambedkar Circle, and Janpath, ensuring that these zones maintain order and accessibility.
Court's Decision and Petitions Disposed
A bench comprising Justice P S Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe disposed of petitions filed by the Supreme Court-appointed Administrator, Justice Sudershan Kumar Mishra, and SMS Investment Corporation, which owns land in the affected area. These petitions had challenged the High Court's directions, but the apex court refused to set aside the orders, emphasizing the importance of public interest in traffic management.
Liberty Granted to Rajasthan Government
While upholding the High Court's directives, the Supreme Court granted liberty to the Rajasthan government to pass appropriate statutory orders regulating or prohibiting traffic in the concerned areas within eight weeks. The court clarified that any fresh orders issued by the state government would remain subject to judicial review, ensuring accountability and adherence to legal standards.
Government's Stance and Compliance
Rajasthan government's additional advocate general, Shiv Mangal Sharma, argued in favor of the High Court's directions, stating that they were in the public interest. He highlighted that the areas in question are already declared as silence zones and no-vending zones, with the government and police authorities strictly complying with the order. This compliance has reportedly led to smooth traffic flow in these critical zones.
Origin of the Case
The matter originated from suo motu proceedings initiated by the Rajasthan High Court on September 5, 2018. This action was taken after a large public gathering at Amrudon Ka Bagh caused severe traffic congestion, which reportedly prevented lawyers, litigants, and even judges from reaching the High Court on time. The incident underscored the need for effective traffic regulation to ensure the smooth functioning of judicial and institutional activities in Jaipur.
This ruling reinforces the judiciary's role in addressing public nuisance and maintaining order in urban areas, balancing individual rights with collective welfare.
