Rajasthan High Court: In a suo motu petition, taking note of the chaotic situation and complete jam on the main highway road, connecting main city to the High Court, Dinesh Mehta, J, opined that the real celebration would be if society respected and followed the ideals and virtues which Lord Ram embodied and was worshipped as an ideal person. The Court further directed the Commissioner of Police and the District Collector to ensure that in future the roads, particularly the road leading towards the High Court, was not blocked in the name of any ‘julus’, ‘dharna’ and religious celebrations.
The Court noted that on 22-01-2024, the entire country was celebrating ‘Pran Pratishtha Mahotsava’ of Ram Temple situated in Ayodhya, however, the real celebration would be if society respected and followed the ideals and virtues which Lord Ram embodied and was worshipped as an ideal person. The Court opined that while coming to the Court, it was noticed that the administration or some unscrupulous people had installed barricades or barriers, which blocked the entire way leading towards the Jhalamand circle and the High Court, and it resulted in a chaotic situation and complete jam on the main highway road.
The Court opined that on account of such blockage, many lawyers, High Court staff and even Judges found it impossible to reach the High Court on time. While fully associating with the sentiments of millions of people on the advent of ‘Pran Pratishtha Mahotsava’, the Court opined that the blockage of road, particularly the road connecting the High Court amounted to interfere in the administration of Justice. It was ironic that while Lord Ram had created a bridge to approach Lanka, people had blocked the way, which resulted in complete road block and impasse.
The Court issued notice to the Commissioner of Police and District Collector to appraise the present Court as to whether these barriers were installed by the administration or any permission was granted to do the same. Thereafter, the Commissioner of Police and District Collector, informed that the persons concerned had been asked to remove the blockage, that was created and Jhalamand Circle and the road in question had been opened for free flow of traffic.
The Court directed the Commissioner of Police and the District Collector to ensure that in future the roads, particularly the road leading towards the High Court, was not blocked in the name of any ‘julus’, ‘dharna’ and religious celebrations. Further, the Court directed to register the present petition as PIL, and place before the Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court for listing before appropriate Bench for further direction as deemed appropriate or to dispose of the petition in light of what had been observed in the present petition.
[In the matter of Pran Pratishtha Mahotsava of Ram Temple Ayodhya, In re, Order dated 22-01-2024]
Advocates who appeared in this case :
For the State: Anil Joshi, Additional Advocate General
