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Judges stuck in traffic: Why Chandigarh DGP was summoned to Punjab and Haryana High Court

DGP Sagar Preet Singh Hooda assured steps to prevent recurrence after the traffic jam near the High Court roundabout in Chandigarh during the ongoing Haryana Assembly session.

3 min readChandigarhFeb 24, 2026 03:57 PM IST

Haryana Congress MLAs, led by Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda, staged a protest march to the Haryana Assembly in Chandigarh on Tuesday (Express photo by Jasbir Malhi)

The Punjab and Haryana High Court Tuesday consigned to the record room a suo motu case arising out of a traffic jam near the High Court roundabout, after Chandigarh Director General of Police (DGP) Dr Sagar Preet Singh Hooda assured the bench that steps would be taken to prevent a recurrence.

Hooda was present in court along with Kanwardeep Kaur, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP); and Sumer Pratap Singh, SSP (Traffic), in compliance with the court’s direction.

The matter was placed before a division bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry after Justice Sandeep Moudgil recorded his displeasure over the morning congestion and the alleged lapse in traffic management during the ongoing Haryana Assembly session.

In a note placed on record, Justice Moudgil said that around 9.55 am, several judges were caught in a traffic jam near the roundabout leading to the High Court premises, resulting in a delay of about 15 to 20 minutes in the commencement of court proceedings. He observed that his personal security officer had to step out of the vehicle to help clear the traffic, as police personnel stationed at the roundabout failed to ensure the smooth passage of judges’ vehicles.

The note further stated that protesters had managed to reach the main gate of the Civil Secretariat barricade during the Haryana Assembly session, terming the situation prima facie a case of gross negligence and dereliction of duty. The DGP was directed to remain present in court and explain the circumstances.

During the hearing, counsel for the UT administration submitted that the congestion occurred after 10 to 12 Opposition MLAs decided to walk towards the Haryana Assembly from about 150 metres away from the High Court roundabout. They were accompanied by staff, security personnel and members of the media, which led to crowding and slowed vehicular movement.

It was submitted that nine traffic personnel were deployed at the roundabout and that the delay was unusual. The counsel also cited frisking and security checks, including in view of periodic bomb threats, as factors that increased the time taken to clear pedestrians and vehicles.

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The court was informed that the judge’s arrival was delayed by about 15–20 minutes and that the disruption was linked to the gathering connected with the Assembly session. It was further submitted that with new parking arrangements and revised traffic routes in place, traffic flow had otherwise improved.

Assuring the court that all necessary measures would be taken to avoid such congestion during court hours, particularly before and after sittings, the UT counsel said instructions would be issued down to the level of traffic personnel on the ground.

Recording the assurance, the bench directed that the message percolate to the field level and closed the proceedings.

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read More

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