The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to take concrete steps to create a safe pedestrian crossing on Mathura Road near the Delhi High Court and the National Zoological Park, warning that judges could visit the site and stage a protest if the problem remains unresolved by November 25.
A bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan issued the direction while hearing a petition concerning the lack of basic pedestrian facilities at the Delhi High Court crossing. The court expressed concern that people, including visitors and staff accessing the court complex and the zoo, do not have a properly designed or adequately managed facility to cross the busy road.
The proceedings highlight a recurring road-safety problem in Indian cities: installing a traffic signal does not necessarily create a safe pedestrian crossing. According to the report, the court was informed on September 15 by amicus curiae and senior advocate Gaurav Agrawal that a red light had been installed on the road. The bench responded that a signal alone did not resolve the underlying problem.
The court had earlier suggested measures including speed breakers and rumble strips near the crossing so that vehicles would slow down. Justice Pardiwala also indicated that the judges could visit the location to assess whether the required work had been completed. On October 5, the bench directed that a pedestrian crossing near the High Court and the zoo should be created on priority.
During the latest hearing, Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee told the court that the matter had been referred to a high-level committee constituted by the Centre. The committee is examining what measures should be taken at the crossing, according to the report. The bench said that forming a committee was not enough and that visible, practical action was required.
The court also orally warned that it could direct the Chief Secretary to appear if the issue was not addressed. Justice Pardiwala said that if no action was taken by November 25, the judges could go to the area outside the High Court with the Additional Solicitor General and remain there until the problem was resolved.
The bench suggested that the committee could include the amicus curiae in its meeting. The reported directions place responsibility on the authorities to move beyond traffic management measures and provide a crossing designed around pedestrian movement, vehicle speeds and the location’s public importance.
The case also draws attention to how road infrastructure is assessed around major public institutions. A crossing used by pedestrians near a court and a zoo involves more than traffic regulation: it requires safe access, clear markings and measures that protect people while they cross. The next reported milestone is the November 25 deadline set by the Supreme Court for authorities to demonstrate action.
