Pran Pratishtha Mahotsava | Real Celebration Would Be If Society Respects & Follows Lord Ram's Ideals: Rajasthan HC In Suo Moto PIL Over Road Blockage

The Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur on Monday registered a suo moto PIL concerning the blockage of the road and installation of barricades on the advent of “Pran Pratishtha Mahotsava.”

The single judge bench of Justice Dinesh Mehta directed the District Collector and Commissioner of Police to ensure that in the future the roads, particularly the roads leading towards the High Court, are not blocked in the name of any 'julus', 'dharna' and religious celebrations.

“The real celebration would be if the society respects and follows the ideal and virtues which Lord 'Ram'embodied and is worshiped as an ideal person – 'Maryada Puroshottam Ram',” Justice Mehta said.

The Court noted that some people had installed barricades/barriers and blocked the entire way leading towards the Jhalamand Circle and High Court, which resulted in a chaotic situation and a complete blockade on the road.

It was further observed by the Court that on account of such blockage, many lawyers, High Court staff, and even Judges found it difficult nay impossible to reach Court on time.

“While fully associating with the sentiments of millions of people on the advent of “Pran Pratishtha Mahotsava”, this Court is of the view that the blockage of road, particularly the road connecting the High Court, amounts to interference in the administration of Justice. It is ironic that while Lord 'Ram' had created a bridge to approach Lanka, people have blocked the way resulting in a complete roadblock and impasse,” the Court remarked.

The Court issued notice to the Commissioner of Police (CP) and District Collector (DC) to appraise this Court as to whether these barriers have been installed by the administration and/or whether any permission was granted to do the same.

The CP and DC have informed the Court that the persons concerned have been asked to remove the blockage, that was created, and the Jhalamand Circle and the roads in question have been opened for free flow of traffic.

However, the Court directed the registry to register the petition as a 'PIL' and place it before the Chief Justice for listing before an appropriate Bench for further direction as deemed appropriate or to dispose of the petition.

Citation: Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Raj) 9