Punjab & Haryana High Court Orders Opening of Road Outside Punjab CM’s House After 40 Years

In a landmark decision, the Punjab & Haryana High Court has ruled in favor of reopening a 500-meter stretch of road outside the Punjab Chief Minister’s residence, connecting Sukhna Lake to Nayagaon. The road, which had been closed for nearly four decades due to security concerns stemming from the height of terrorism in Punjab, will now be opened on a trial basis from May 1.

The court’s directive also includes the engagement of traffic experts by the Chandigarh Police to formulate a traffic management plan for the reopened road. Initially, the road will be accessible from 7 am to 7 pm on working days.

The closure of the road, situated at the convergence point of Uttar Marg-Vidya Path, had forced commuters traveling between Nayagaon and Sukhna Lake to take lengthy detours through adjacent sectors. The decision to reopen the road comes after the High Court’s observation last November that residents should not be inconvenienced due to security concerns related to “alleged protected persons.”

While security agencies, including police from Punjab and Haryana, had opposed the reopening citing security threats, the court deemed their concerns as unsubstantiated. It noted that the apprehension of a security breach due to vehicular traffic was unfounded and highlighted the importance of access to elected representatives for citizens to express their grievances.

The High Court’s ruling marks a significant step towards improving connectivity and convenience for residents, underscoring the principle of public accessibility while addressing security concerns. It reflects the judiciary’s commitment to balancing security measures with the fundamental rights and needs of citizens. The reopening of the road outside the Punjab CM’s residence represents a victory for commuter convenience and reinforces the principle of equitable access to public infrastructure.

If you like this law news, share it with a friend!