Delhi High Court
I-Block Resident Welfare ... vs Govt. Of Nct Of Delhi & Others on 8 December, 2009
Author: Sanjiv Khanna
#07
* IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI
+ W.P.(C) 6332/2007
I-BLOCK RESIDENT WELFARE ASSOCIATION & ORS ..... Petitioners
Through: Mr. Siddharth Yadav with Mr.Daanish
Syed, Advs.
versus
GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI & ORS ..... Respondents
Through: Ms. Zubeda Begum with Ms. Sana Ansari,
Advs. for GNCT.
Mr. Amit K. Paul, Adv. for MCD.
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJIV KHANNA
ORDER
% 08.12.2009
1. The petitioners, I Block Resident Welfare Association, have filed the present
Writ Petition for quashing directive dated 12 th June, 2007 passed by Deputy
Commissioner of Police (Traffic) declaring Firoz Gandhi Marg and Veersawarkar Marg
as one way in Lajpat Nagar Central Market, New Delhi. It is alleged that the action of
the respondent No.5 is arbitrary and has no nexus with the objective sought to be
achieved i.e. the convenience of the petitioners and public at large. Mandamus for
directing the respondents to implement a new policy of one way traffic is also
prayed for.
2. On 4th January, 2008, this Court had passed certain directions on the
suggestions given by the petitioners.
3. The Traffic Inspector, Lajpat Nagar Circle, New Delhi in his status report filed
on 20th November, 2007 has pointed out that Central Market Lajpat Nagar is a
WPC No.6332/2007 Page 1
congested area and Central Road Research Institute had carried out survey on 16 th
Septembe9r, 2004 for regulating traffic movement and parking plan in the said area.
Thereafter, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the land owning agency, prepared short-
term, mid-term and long term schemes relating to traffic movement, regulation of
traffic and parking. This was endorsed by the Deputy Commissioner, Central Zone.
As per the case of the Traffic Police, they have received several representations from
traders' associations and others appreciating the new traffic regulations/plan.
4. Every traffic plan or regulation in a heavily congested area like Central
Market, Lajpat Nagar, is bound to create difficulties and inconvenience for some
traders/residents and be more advantageous for traders or residents at another
location. However, the fact that the market is frequented is beneficial for all traders.
Ultimately, it is for the traffic police to decide how best they can manage and
regulate the traffic and parking in the Central Market, Lajpat Nagar. They are the
experts and have access to data, knowledge and experience how to deal with
congestion and traffic jams. New scheme/plans when implemented can result in
inconvenience but the respondents can experiment judiciously and take remedial
steps. The petitioner herein is a Residents Welfare Association and they are guided
by their self interest. They are not experts in the field of traffic management. The
petitioner at best can make a representation in case they are inconvenienced, and
can give suggestions. Finally, however, it is for the respondents to regulate and
manage the traffic and deal with the parking problem. With the aforesaid
observations, the Writ Petition is disposed of.
SANJIV KHANNA, J.
DECEMBER 08, 2009
J/P
WPC No.6332/2007 Page 2
