The Punjab and Haryana High Court will hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Friday seeking directions to the Chandigarh Administration to submit a detailed plan for traffic management, crowd control, and safety measures for Punjabi singer Diljit Dosanjh’s concert at the Sector 34 exhibition ground on December 14.
The PIL, filed by Chandigarh resident Ranjeet Singh through counsel Davinder Singh, raises concerns over the disruption caused by singer Karan Aujla’s event at the same venue on December 7. It highlights massive traffic jams that inconvenienced students, shopkeepers, emergency services, and residents. The petitioner warned of a similar situation during Dosanjh’s show and AP Dhillon’s concert, scheduled for December 21.
The petition claims that over 30,000 people attended Aujla’s event, with thousands more gathering outside. It accuses the organisers and authorities of failing to address traffic, noise pollution, and public safety issues, violating citizens’ fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution. Allegations of breaches of environmental laws, such as the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, were also raised.
The petitioner mentioned submitting a detailed representation to the administration on December 11 but claimed no action was taken, prompting him to move the High Court.
Meanwhile, the Chandigarh administration has given the green light for Dosanjh’s concert, despite demands from residents, traders, and political leaders to shift the event to the Sector 25 rally ground. Protests intensified following Aujla’s concert, with locals citing traffic chaos, business losses, and inconvenience to emergency services near Sector 34.
Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav said that while permissions for Dosanjh and Dhillon’s events have already been granted, no large-scale gatherings will be allowed at Sector 34 in the future. “We have decided that such permissions will only be given for spacious venues like Sector 25 rally ground,” he said.
On Wednesday, a delegation led by former city BJP president Arun Sood met the DC, requesting the relocation of the upcoming events. Sector 34 market associations also voiced concerns over road closures, claiming significant losses during Aujla’s show. AAP councillor Prem Lata had also written to the administration seeking a change of venue for Dosanjh and Dhillon’s events.
While the administration acknowledged the issues raised, it opted to proceed with the planned concerts, citing advanced preparations. Future events, however, are expected to be relocated to more suitable venues.
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