24 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : A traffic jam that delayed a judge’s arrival at court has triggered a major administrative stir, with the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) being summoned to explain the situation. The incident has once again put the spotlight on traffic management, policing efficiency, and accountability at the highest levels of the administration.
According to official sources, the judge was caught in a prolonged traffic congestion while travelling for official judicial work. Despite prior movement protocols and security arrangements usually ensured for judicial officers, the vehicle remained stuck for a considerable period. The delay reportedly disrupted court proceedings, prompting strong displeasure from the judiciary.
Taking serious note of the matter, the court sought an explanation from senior police officials and subsequently issued summons to the DGP. The court observed that if a sitting judge could be stranded in traffic for such a long duration, the situation for ordinary citizens could only be worse. The remarks underscored systemic failures in traffic regulation and on-ground coordination by the police.
During the hearing, the court questioned why traffic clearance measures were not activated in time and why local police officials failed to respond promptly. It also asked whether standard operating procedures for VIP and emergency movement were being followed in practice or merely existed on paper.
Legal experts say summoning a DGP is a rare but significant step, reflecting the judiciary’s concern over governance and enforcement lapses. Such actions, they note, are meant to reinforce accountability and ensure that constitutional authorities are able to discharge their duties without obstruction.
Police sources, meanwhile, said an internal inquiry has been initiated to ascertain responsibility. Preliminary findings reportedly point to poor traffic planning, inadequate deployment of personnel, and delayed response at key junctions. Officials added that corrective steps, including stricter supervision and better coordination between traffic and local police units, are being considered.
The incident has sparked wider debate on urban congestion and traffic discipline. With increasing vehicular density, courts have repeatedly stressed the need for robust traffic management systems, real-time monitoring, and quick-response teams to handle bottlenecks, especially during peak hours.
The court is expected to review the explanation submitted by the DGP in the next hearing. Depending on the response, further directions may be issued to prevent recurrence of such incidents. For now, the episode serves as a reminder that lapses in basic civic management can escalate into serious constitutional concerns when they interfere with the functioning of the judiciary.
Summary :
A judge stuck in a traffic jam prompted the court to summon the DGP, highlighting serious lapses in traffic management, policing accountability, and concerns over public inconvenience and law-and-order efficiency.