Ram created bridge to approach Lanka, people blocked roads: HC

Jodhpur: Taking suo motu cognisance of blockades on roads leading to Rajasthan High Court premises for celebrations of the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, a single bench of Justice Dinesh Mehta on Monday summoned Jodhpur district collector and police commissioner for an explanation.In his interim order, Justice Mehta noted, “While coming to the court, it was noticed that the administration/ some unscrupulous people have installed barricades/ barriers and blocked the entire way towards Jhalamand Circle and the high court, which has resulted in a chaotic situation and complete jam on the road. On account of such blockades, many lawyers, high court staff and even judges found it difficult, nay, impossible to reach the high court on time.”Justice Mehta further wrote, “While fully associating with the sentiments of millions of people on the advent of ‘Pran Pratishtha Mahotsava’, this court is of the view that the blockade of roads, particularly the road connecting the high court, amounts to interference in the administration of justice. It is ironic that while Lord ‘Ram’ had created a bridge to approach Lanka, people have blocked the way resulting in a complete roadblock and impasse.” District collector Gaurav Agarwal and police commissioner Ravi Dutt Gaur appeared in the court and informed that the people concerned were asked to remove the road blockades and the roads were later opened for traffic. The single bench asked the two officers to ensure that roads, particularly those leading to the high court, are not blocked in the name of ‘julus’ (processions), ‘dharna’ (sit-in) and religious celebrations. Reminding people of the values associated with Lord Ram, the court observed, “Today, the entire country is celebrating ‘Pran Pratishtha Mahotsava’ in Ayodhya. The real celebration would be when society respects and follows the ideals and virtues Lord Ram embodied and is worshiped as an ideal person – ‘Maryada Purushottam Ram’.”