Indian Supreme Court StaysOrderto Open Road Near Punjab CM's Residence

The Supreme Court of India has stayed a Punjab and Haryana High Court order directing the opening of a 500-meter stretch of road in front of the Punjab chief minister's residence in Chandigarh "on an experimental basis" from May 1. The High Court had previously ordered the Punjab and Chandigarh governments to clear road blockades caused by Sikh protesters seeking the release of prisoners, including Balwant Singh Rajoana and Devinderpal Singh Bhullar, who have been blocking roads since January 7, 2023.

Why this matters: This story highlights the ongoing struggle between the government and Sikh protesters, which has significant implications for law and order in the region. The decision to reopen the road could have far-reaching consequences for the safety and security of the chief minister and other high-ranking officials.

Both the Centre and the Punjab government have raised concerns about potential security threats and chaos that could arise from reopening the road. Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh argued that the High Court passed the order without considering the safety implications, citing the resurgence of radical activities in the state since 2017, targeted attacks, and recent killings. He specifically referred to the past assassination of a Punjab chief minister and the killing of singer Sidhu Moosewala.

A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta issued a notice on the Punjab government's appeal challenging the High Court order. The bench stayed the direction to open the road on an experimental basis starting May 1 and sought a response from the Chandigarh Administration. The matter has been posted for further hearing on September 2.

During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, emphasized the gravity of the security concerns. "They are waiting for that one opportunity," Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh stated, underscoring the persistent threat. Justice Sanjiv Khanna questioned whether road blockades would be effective against rocket attacks, to which Solicitor General Mehta responded, "Let security arrangements be left to the government. The state is saying there is a threat perception. We have experience." He further added, "The terrorist have to succeed once. The agencies will have to succeed every time."

The 500-meter stretch of road in question has been closed since the 1980s following the rise of terrorism in Punjab. The closure has forced residents to take long detours through adjacent sectors of the city. The official residences of both the Punjab and Haryana chief ministers are situated on this road, and the police of both states, along with the Chandigarh administration, have opposed the plea for its reopening.

The Supreme Court's decision to stay the High Court's order and issue a notice to the Punjab government and other parties involved highlights the complex security considerations at play. As the matter awaits further hearing in September, the road will remain closed, with the governments emphasizing the paramount importance of ensuring the safety and security of the region.

Key Takeaways

• Supreme Court stays Punjab and Haryana High Court order to open 500-meter road in front of Punjab CM's residence.
• The road has been closed since the 1980s due to terrorism concerns and security threats.
• Punjab and Centre governments raise concerns about potential security threats and chaos.
• Supreme Court issues notice to Punjab government and Chandigarh Administration, posting matter for further hearing on September 2.
• Road to remain closed until further hearing, prioritizing safety and security of the region.