Plea against Delhi govt’s odd-even vehicle policy

Labelling it a “reaction plan instead of an action plan”, the plea sought court orders to strike down the decision on grounds that it was “arbitrary, illegal, irrational, illogical” and violated the fundamental rights of citizens. The proposed traffic restrictions are scheduled to come into effect on January 1.

“The imposition of such a policy/law would be contrary to public interest. It has been imposed without any public debate and without appreciating the situation in India, particularly in Delhi,” stated the PIL. It also claimed that the restriction would affect the safety of women, “particularly when there is a total lack of infrastructure and public safety” as “buses and private taxis have become a horror at odd hours” in the city.

The petition said measures are required to decongest those points in the city which see frequent traffic logjams, by improving the infrastructure of roads, public transport etc.

It added that the restriction on private vehicles would “only add to the chaos and will not uproot the actual causes of pollution….”

The government had announced the policy after directions were issued by the National Green Tribunal and the high court to take steps to reduce vehicular pollution in the city.