Shimla Police book protesters for blocking road nr secretariat
Shimla Police book protesters for blocking road nr secretariat
Shimla, June 3,
The ongoing controversy over traffic restrictions on key roads in Shimla intensified on Tuesday as advocates continued their protest against the administration’s decision to issue challans to vehicles allegedly using restricted routes without authorization.
The dispute gained momentum after several advocates received traffic challans for plying their vehicles on roads that have been sealed or designated as restricted zones to ease congestion in the state capital.
The issue reportedly widened after vehicles belonging to senior government functionaries, including Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, and residents living within the restricted areas were also subjected to enforcement measures.
Tensions escalated when advocates stopped a vehicle carrying Shimla SDM Oshin Sharma while it was moving through a restricted road corridor. The incident occurred amid growing resentment among members of the legal fraternity, who have accused the administration of adopting a selective approach in enforcing traffic regulations.
Representatives of the District Bar Association and advocates participating in the agitation alleged that politicians, senior bureaucrats and government officials routinely use the restricted roads while ordinary citizens and lawyers are penalized. They argued that officials cannot be allowed to bypass traffic restrictions that are imposed on the general public.
Also Read Sealed road driving driving without authorization in Shimla, violation may cost Rs 10,000 & Jail
The protesting advocates maintained that access through the Shilli Chowk and Chhota Shimla routes is essential for legal practitioners attending proceedings at the Himachal Pradesh High Court and visiting government offices, including the Finance Commission. They demanded a practical solution that accommodates the professional requirements of lawyers while maintaining traffic discipline.
Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police Shimla, Gaurav Singh, confirmed that an FIR has been registered against individuals involved in disrupting vehicular movement during the protest.
Police have maintained that obstruction of public roads and interference with traffic management cannot be permitted irrespective of the grievances involved.
The standoff has added to the pressure on the state administration as authorities seek to balance traffic regulation with public access and institutional functioning in the congested hill city.
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