A bench of the Gujarat High Court comprising Justice A Y Kogje and Justice Samir Dave questioned the government’s traffic helpline, noting that it was limited to traffic problems and did not address other civic issues.
The government acknowledged this limitation and stated that it was working on expanding the helpline’s services through a mobile application and website.
The court directed the government to provide details about complaints received through the helpline and the time taken to resolve them. It stressed on the importance of the helpline being fully functional and effective and scheduled a further hearing on the matter on September 19.
The bench was hearing a contempt of court petition filed by Amit Panchal over the non-implementation of orders issued by the Gujarat High Court in 2018. The court had directed the state to address problems such as illegal parking, encroachments, broken roads, potholes, stray cattle and general traffic issues within the city. Expanding the petition’s scope to cover the entire state, the court had appointed senior advocates Bhaskar Tanna and Harshesh Kakkar as amicus curiae in the case.
HC questions rationale on impact fee collection
Meanwhile, the court questioned the state government’s decision to regularise illegal constructions in the parking area of buildings by collecting impact fees. The court was irked by the government’s rationale for introducing this amendment, especially considering its earlier assurance against such a move.
Petitioner advocate Amit Panchal submitted a report by Ahmedabad Mirror highlighting the government’s notification, which sought to legalise illegal parking by imposing an impact fee. This decision was seen as a relief for building owners, particularly commercial entities that had converted basement parking areas into shops and offices.
The court recalled the government’s 2018 statement, pledging not to allow illegal parking and taking strict action against violations. Panchal argued that the government’s current amendment violated this assurance and amounted to contempt of court.