Recently, the Delhi High Court examined a plea highlighting a growing safety concern for late-night commuters, particularly gig workers who rely on functioning traffic lights while navigating the city’s roads after dark. With several signals reportedly shutting down during late hours, the Court was asked to look into whether Delhi’s traffic signals could be made operational round the clock.
The matter stemmed from a Public Interest Litigation seeking directions to ensure 24×7 functioning of traffic signals across Delhi. The Petitioner pointed out that many traffic lights remain inactive late at night, causing inconvenience and potential risk to those who travel during odd hours.
The PIL also requested the government to conduct a technical audit to identify the reasons behind non-functional signals, to introduce a formal Standard Operating Procedure for nighttime operations, and to create a uniform mechanism for keeping records related to signal functioning.
During the proceedings, the government informed the Court that a specialised committee is already in place to look into such technical and operational issues. This committee is headed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Technical) and works under the supervision of the Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic).
The Court noted that since an expert committee already exists to examine traffic-related technical matters, the Petitioner should first place all concerns before this body. The Bench stated that a detailed representation along with any supporting material, may be submitted to the committee for consideration.
The Court asked the Centre’s counsel to provide the Petitioner with complete information about the committee so that the concerns can be properly addressed. It further observed that once such a representation is filed, the committee is expected to evaluate the issues raised and take necessary steps to resolve them. The Court also emphasised that the committee must handle the matter within a reasonable timeframe and ensure that its decision is communicated to the petitioner.
The Delhi High Court disposed of the PIL, directing the Petitioner to approach the existing committee with a comprehensive representation. The committee has been instructed to consider and decide on the issues within two months and inform the petitioner of the outcome.
Case Title: Neehal Taneja v. UOI
Case No.: W.P.(C) 18315/2025
Coram: Hon’ble Mr Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Hon’ble Mr Justice Tushar Rao Gedela
Counsel for the Petitioner: Adv. Ashish Taneja
Counsel for the Respondent: CGSC Rohan Jaitley, Adv. Dev Pratap Shahi, Adv. Varun Pratap, Adv. Yogya Bhatia, Standing Counsel Sameer Vashisht with Insp. Basant Kumar, TI Signal Cell Traffic and SI Dharampal, Pairvi Officer, Traffic.
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