Plea in Delhi HC challenging odd/even car rule [Read the petition]

Within a day of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s clarification over the unique odd/even car policy, a PIL has been filed in the Delhi High Court, challenging the Delhi Government’s initiative..The PIL was mentioned before a Division Bench of Justices BD Ahmed and Sanjeev Sachdeva this morning. It terms the policy to be ‘arbitrary, illegal, irrational and illogical’..The petition, filed by advocates Shweta Kapoor and RK Kapoor, states that the proposed scheme is in violation of certain provisions of the Constitution of India. It further goes on to say,.“The question for consideration is that whether it is in public interest to make a policy for restricted movement of private vehicles specifically privately owned cars without having conducted a detailed study about its pros and cons and without considering the disturbing effect the same shall have on the public at large.”.Slamming the government for issuing a statement in haste, the plea also states,.“It has been noted in several media coverages that the Respondents have reacted to the fact that this Hon’ble Court has called living in Delhi like living in a ‘gas chamber’. It is but obvious that the Respondents have come up with a reaction plan rather than an action plan…without calling for the public debate and considering the pros and cons…..…the knee jerk reaction of the Respondents have left the citizens of this city high and dry leaving them wondering about the indifferent attitude of the respondents towards them as well upset over the arbitrary and unreasonable approach of Respondents towards guaranteeing the Constitution and fundamental rights of the ordinary citizens of this country. The AAM AADMI has been made to suffer the arbitrary dictates of the respondents.”.The petition also highlighted the issue of women’s safety in the city. It stated that women returning from work at odd hours would feel safe if they had a vehicle at their disposal and that this policy would ensure that their safety hinges on ‘alternate days.’.Also making suggestions towards reducing vehicular congestion in the city, the petition proposes solutions such as ‘better management of traffic’, synchronization of traffic signals’, etc..The prayer also seeks directions from the Court to advise the Government to encourage public debate before enforcing such decisions and to take suitable measures to curb the air pollution, as opposed to ‘taking erratic, irrational and illogical policy decisions.’.The matter is slated to be heard on December 9. So far, the Delhi Government has received sparse support over its proposed scheme, even though Chief Justice of India TS Thakur has openly welcomed it. It will be interesting to see how the Court responds to the Government’s intentions..Read the petition here: