Car dealers can’t use roads as parking spaces, says HC
NEWDELHI: Public roads cannot be converted into private parking spaces by car dealers, the Delhi High Court said on Monday while warning violators of contempt of court action.
A bench of acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar also directed the deputy commissioner of police (DCP), traffic, central range, to issue a public notice listing out names of violators, warning them of contempt action.
“There isn’t any need for elaboration that every individual needs the road. Public roads cannot be converted into private parking spaces by car dealers. Such conduct is not only opposed to convenience but accordingly needs to be dealt under contempt of court order,” the court said. The court’s direction came after the DCP traffic, central range, filed an affidavit, wherein he placed a list of names of cars dealers and motor vehicle dealers, who continue to park their vehicles for sale outside their shops on the roads and pavements.
The bench was hearing a petition filed by Neena Narang, a resident of Karol Bagh. In her petition, Narang had said that resident of Karol Bagh were being massively inconvenienced since car dealers park their vehicles for sale in almost three of the four lanes in one direction. Narang maintained that only one lane is left for movement of traffic.
The plea had also contended that traffic conditions have been worsening in Karol Bagh with every passing day. However, the petition maintained that no step, whatsoever, has been taken to rectify the situation.
Stating that the North Delhi Municipal Corporation’s move of imposing fine for illegal parking is of “no consequence”, the court gave the violators one last chance. “Last chance is being given to all businessmen in the area. We direct the DCP, Traffic, Central Zone, to issue a public notice setting out a list of violators and those still selling vehicles in Karol Bagh, informing them of the order,” the court said.
The court also asked the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and the DCP (traffic) to take strict action against those found violating the order.
During the hearing, the issue of loading and offloading of goods from commercial vehicles was also raised. Advocate Satyajit Sarna, appearing for the peti- tioner, pointed out that roads are congested because of these goods vehicles.
Following this, the bench sought to know from the assistant commissioner of police, traffic — who was present in court — about the timings stipulated for commercial vehicles to enter the capital. The court was informed that such vehicles can enter the city in two trenches — from 11am to 5pm and 9.30pm to 7am.
Irked at the reply, the court said loading and offloading of goods at public spaces during business hours should be restricted. “In view of the matter, we see no reason why loading and offloading should not be restricted in the business hours,” it said, directing Gautam Narayan, standing counsel for the Delhi government, to examine the issue and take a considered view on the issue. The court will now hear the matter on September 12.