We will sit on dharna till you fix pedestrian crossing issue on Mathura road: Supreme Court in lighter vein

A bench of Supreme Court Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan on Friday quipped that they would sit on a protest (dharna) at the main gate of the Delhi High Court if concrete measures are not taken to ensure pedestrian safety on Mathura Road before November 25.

The bench expressed dissatisfaction over delays in fixing the dangerous pedestrian crossing near the Delhi High Court junction and the National Zoological Park, where thousands of lawyers, litigants, and children cross daily.

While addressing Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Vikramjit Banerjee, said, the Court, in a lighter vein, said,

"If you don't do it before the next date, both of us will be at the main gate of the Delhi High Court, and we will not go home until you complete the work. That's for sure. Baith jaayenge wahan dharna karne ke liye baith jaayenge (We will sit there on dharna), and we will not allow Mr. Banerjee (ASG) to also go home."

Banerjee responded that a committee was actively looking into the issue after discussions at the highest levels. However, the Court questioned the bureaucratic delay in fixing a basic traffic bottleneck.

"Why do you need a committee for this? You need some engineers? You take Mr. Gaurav Agarwal [amicus curiae], he will help you. Why do you need a high-level committee? Include Mr. Agarwal in the committee. He will show what’s the exact problem over there," it observed.

Issuing a strict deadline, the Court made it clear that bureaucratic explanations would no longer suffice.

"But it has to be completed before 25th November. That’s for sure. No solution. Concrete work to be completed. Otherwise your Chief Secretary will be here beside you. Understood?" the Bench warned.

In October 2025 and September 2026, the Court had flagged the absence of functional red lights, foot overbridges, or traffic-calming measures on the high-density Mathura road stretch.

Although a pedestrian signal was installed following court orders, amicus curiae Gaurav Agrawal informed the bench that it frequently remains non-functional, necessitating synchronized signals and speed-limiting rumble strips.

The matter will now be heard on November 25.

The Court's remarks – even though on the lighter side, come at a time when the national capital has been witnessing a flurry of street protests.

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