The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has taken a stern stance against educational institutions contributing to traffic snarls. In a significant move, the court has issued summons to the principals or administrative heads of six prominent schools in the city for failing to cooperate with orders aimed at alleviating severe traffic congestion outside their premises.
Court's Direct Order to School Authorities
A division bench comprising Justice Alok Mathur and Justice Brijraj Singh passed this order while hearing a long-standing public interest litigation (PIL) filed in 2020 by residents of Gomti Riverbank. The petition had highlighted the persistent issue of schools operating in residential areas and the consequent traffic nightmares they create.
The court has specifically directed the officials from the following schools to appear and provide a detailed explanation of the measures they have implemented to improve the traffic situation around their campuses:
- La Martiniere Girls' College, Hazratganj
- Loreto Convent, Gautampalli
- City Montessori School, Vishal Khand
- City Montessori School, Gomtinagar Extension
- City Montessori School, Station Road
- Seth M.R. Jaipuria School, Gomtinagar
Opportunity for Suggestions and Impending Action
The bench clarified that it is providing these institutions a final opportunity to present their own suggestions for better traffic management. The court explicitly stated that if the schools fail to offer viable solutions, it will not hesitate to pass necessary and binding instructions to enforce compliance.
The matter came to light after the amicus curiae (friend of the court) appointed in the case informed the bench about several schools not adhering to the guidelines issued by the authorities based on previous court hearings. It was recommended that such non-compliant institutions be made parties to the case.
Next Hearing and Broader Implications
The court has scheduled the next hearing in this crucial case for January 19. This ongoing PIL underscores the growing conflict between institutional operations in densely populated urban areas and the right of residents to peaceful and accessible neighborhoods.
The court's intervention signals a shift towards holding influential institutions accountable for their role in exacerbating urban infrastructure and traffic congestion problems. The outcome of this case is likely to set a precedent for how cities manage traffic around schools and other establishments in residential zones across Uttar Pradesh.
