State asked to submit measures taken for commuters under odd-even system

GANGTOK,: The High Court of Sikkim on Friday directed the State government to submit the measures it has taken for public transport to enable free movement of the public in view of the odd-even traffic system in place across Sikkim.

It is appropriate that the learned Additional Advocate General shall place before this Court on record the measures taken by the State Government for public transport to enable free movement of the public, directed the High Court of Sikkim division bench of Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan.

The division bench was hearing a PIL filed by petitioners Mahesh Rai and others following the implementation of restrictions imposed by the State government for vehicular movement across the State earlier this month.

As per the restrictions, the odd-even rule for vehicles except taxis and two-wheelers, in force in Gangtok, was extended to all the districts from May 18.

In the PIL, the petitioner contended that free vehicular movements have been restricted consequent upon imposition of odd-even restrictions on vehicular movement. His apparent concern was about the public being affected consequent upon the restrictions imposed.

During the hearing, the State Additional Advocate General pointed out that the petitioner, being a political rival, is misusing this forum for larger public attention. He also questioned the bona fide of the petitioner.

The division bench observed that the question before the court as of now is the difficulties experienced by the public consequent upon imposition of odd-even rules. We need not doubt at this stage in regard to the bona fides of the petitioner, said the bench.

The court further directed the district collectors of all the six districts to issue public notices to receive any complaints or grievances of the public, on the difficulties experienced by them.

The District Collector(s) shall issue a public notice within three days of receipt of the notice and shall place before this Court the difficulties experienced by citizens residing in their respective areas, said the court.

The matter is listed for next hearing on June 9.

Earlier this month, the State government rolled out the implementation of the odd-even vehicle restriction norm across the State to save fuel, and strengthened public transport to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The implementation came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to people to reduce fuel consumption and spend more wisely in view of the West Asia crisis.