[sustran] No parking, no car idea takes a hit

[Asija, Navdeep]

Chandigarh The feasibility and legal tenability of Chandigarh
Administration's idea to take an undertaking from a resident, who intends
to purchase a car, that he has adequate parking space for his vehicle was
questioned, on Friday, by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The amicus curiae appointed in the public interest litigation relating to
the launch of eco-cabs objected to the undertaking. A division bench
comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ajay Tewari questioned as to how
a person living on the second-floor of a house can give an undertaking to
have adequate parking space prior to purchase of a vehicle.

APS Shergill, the amicus curiae, attacked UT's idea by stating that
affidavit is the “most abusive form of undertaking”. Shergill also added
that there is no legal reprimand for filing a false affidavit.

Expressing its disapproval over non-implementation of policies to curb
traffic menace, Justice Surya Kant said that Chandigarh Administration's
problem “is that it announces but does not implement”.

Appearing on behalf of Chandigarh Administration, its senior standing
counsel, Sanjay Kaushal said that the Administration “is not insensitive”
towards the rising menace of traffic jams. He said that the Administration
is taking effective steps to reduce traffic jams which are becoming
“unmanageable”.

Reeta Kohli, also an amicus curiae in the public interest litigation,
suggested that the Chandigarh Administration should ensure that optimum
utilisation of parking space is done.

Making a significant suggestion, Kohli said the parking areas in market can
be converted for parking of vehicles in congested areas. She also said that
the possibility of charging for parking a vehicle in the parking area can
also be explored by the Chandigarh Administration.

Kohli further suggested that the purchase of vehicles should be allowed
depending on the number of adults in a family.

Senior standing counsel Sanjay Kaushal added that the process to launch eco
cabs is on and that the Administration will shortly hold a meeting in this
regard.

The division bench also asked over the haphazard parking of vehicles on
High Court premises. In response to this, Kaushal said that the bus service
started for lawyers received a very poor response as only two lawyers were
availing the service.

However, Kaushal added, that the bus service is now being made use of by
High Court employees.

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