In a significant observation highlighting the duty of administrative authorities to ensure the smooth functioning of the judiciary, the Allahabad High Court, on February 6, 2025, strongly criticized the disruption caused by extreme traffic congestion in Prayagraj during the ongoing Mahakumbh. The matter, listed under Case No. WRIT – B No. – 29 of 2025, was thrice adjourned due to the inability of learned counsel to reach the Court in time. The bench was presided over by Justice J.J. Munir.
Case Background
The case was filed by Harkhu and two others (Petitioners) against the State of Uttar Pradesh and eight others (Respondents). The petitioners were represented by Advocates Prashant Gaur and Saurabh Kumar Pandey, while the respondents were represented by C.S.C., R.K. Paramhans Singh, and Rameshwar Prasad Shukla.
The delay in proceedings was attributed to severe traffic jams across Prayagraj, exacerbated by the influx of pilgrims attending the Mahakumbh. This forced adjournments on two prior occasions, and the inability of counsel to appear for the hearing led to the third adjournment.
Key Legal Issues
1. Impact of Traffic Disruptions on Judicial Proceedings:
The Court examined how the failure of the traffic administration to ensure unhindered access to the Court affected the fundamental right to justice.
2. Obligations of the Police and Civil Administration:
The Court addressed the responsibility of law enforcement and the civil administration to prioritize and facilitate the functioning of the judiciary, especially in extraordinary situations like the Mahakumbh.
Observations and Directions by the Court
Justice J.J. Munir underscored the gravity of the situation, remarking that “this is a High Court where the functioning of justice cannot be brought to a standstill because of contingencies.” The Court recognized the challenges posed by the Mahakumbh, acknowledging it as an “unusual situation” due to the presence of a large population. However, it emphasized the duty of the police to ensure that learned counsel could access the Court without hindrance.
The Court observed:
“Any hindrance in the movement of learned counsel during Court hours impedes the process of dispensation of justice.”
In its order, the Court directed the Police Administration, including the Traffic Police and the Civil Administration, to implement special measures to prevent further disruption of judicial proceedings. The Registrar (Compliance) was instructed to communicate the order to the Commissioner of Police, Prayagraj, through the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Allahabad, the same day.
The matter was adjourned for the third time, with the next hearing scheduled for February 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM, to be listed as a fresh case. The Court stressed the importance of addressing the logistical failures to avoid further adjournments.
