The ongoing Kumbh Mela has turned Prayagraj into a maze of gridlock, with traffic snarls spilling over into the corridors of justice. The Allahabad High Court has taken note, directing authorities to ensure that legal proceedings don’t grind to a halt due to road restrictions.
Justice JJ Munir, in an order dated February 6, emphasized that the court’s functioning cannot be held hostage by congestion. “While the sheer influx of visitors during Mahakumbh is unprecedented, the police must guarantee that lawyers can reach the court without disruption,” the ruling stated.
The directive came after repeated case adjournments, with legal representatives unable to make it to hearings on time. Noting the recurring delays, the court instructed the order’s immediate transmission to the Prayagraj Police Commissioner via the Chief Judicial Magistrate, stressing the need for special measures to address the issue.
As the city grapples with the Mela’s logistical challenges, the High Court’s message is clear: justice must not be caught in a traffic jam.
