Fix Delhi High Court Crossing By November 25 Or We Will Sit On Dharna: Supreme Court Warns Centre
Supreme Court judges in a lighter vein said that they themselves would visit the main gate of the Delhi High Court and remain there until the pedestrian work was completed.
The Supreme Court on Friday made an unusual observation as it warned the Centre that its judges may sit on a "dharna" outside the Delhi High Court if authorities fail to put in place adequate pedestrian safety measures on Mathura Road by November 25.
A Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan made the oral observation on October 16 while hearing a matter concerning the absence of a safe pedestrian crossing near the Delhi High Court and the National Zoological Park. The judges expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in addressing what they described as a basic public safety concern.
Addressing Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee, who was representing the Centre, the Bench said in a lighter vein that the judges themselves would visit the main gate of the Delhi High Court and remain there until the work was completed.
“If you don't do it before the next date, both of us will be at the main gate of the Delhi High Court, and we will not go home until you complete the work. That's for sure. Baith jaayenge wahan dharna karne ke liye,” the Bench remarked, adding that it would not allow the law officer to leave either.
The case relates to the stretch of Mathura Road near the Delhi High Court junction and the National Zoological Park, where thousands of lawyers, litigants, court staff, children and other members of the public cross the road every day.
Despite the substantial pedestrian movement in the area, the authorities have not yet put in place adequate arrangements to ensure safe passage across the busy road. The Bench questioned why a relatively straightforward infrastructure problem had taken so long to resolve, particularly when the risks to pedestrians were evident.
On September 15, senior advocate Gaurav Agrawal, appointed as amicus curiae to assist the Court, had informed the Bench that a red light had been installed at the crossing.
However, the Bench indicated that a traffic signal alone would not adequately address the problem and suggested additional measures, including speed breakers and rumble strips, to slow down vehicles and improve pedestrian safety.
The issue forms part of the Supreme Court's broader proceedings concerning road safety and the protection of pedestrians. In an order dated October 7, 2025, the Court had highlighted the risks faced by people crossing Mathura Road near the Delhi High Court and the National Zoological Park. It noted that thousands of people used the stretch daily despite the absence of adequate crossing facilities and traffic-calming measures.
The Court had directed road-owning agencies in 50 cities identified in its proceedings, along with the National Highways Authority of India, to prepare action plans and undertake phased surveys to identify locations requiring additional pedestrian crossings.
It specifically directed that priority be given to the crossing near the Delhi High Court and the National Zoological Park, calling for the necessary work to be completed within seven months of the order.
In subsequent proceedings, the Bench continued to seek progress on the issue. The installation of a traffic signal, however, did not satisfy the Court's concerns about the need for comprehensive safety arrangements.