Lok Adalat orders Jalandhar MC to repair Defence Colony road by November 30

In a major relief to residents, the Permanent Lok Adalat in Jalandhar has directed the municipal corporation to complete the repairs on the potholed road, connecting Defence Colony to PAP Chowk, by November 30.

The road, which had been lying in a poor condition for over two years, became a source of inconvenience for residents, prompting the Defence Colony Residents Society to take the matter to the court.

The last time the road was repaired was during the Assembly elections, after which it was left to deteriorate. The case was filed by the society, represented by its general secretary, Harbinder Singh, through their counsel advocate Vikram Dutta. The residents, frustrated by the inaction of the MC authorities despite repeated complaints, sought legal intervention, urging the MC to fulfil its responsibility of maintaining the road.

The petitioner argued that the condition of the road had worsened to the point where it posed safety risks to the public, especially during the monsoon season.

“Despite assurances and multiple complaints, no concrete steps were taken by the authorities to address the issue. This road is a major thoroughfare and its condition has been a daily struggle for the residents,” said advocate Dutta in his argument.

At the hearing, representatives from the MC’s Building and Roads (B&R) Branch, including SDO Komal Kainth and Junior Engineer Parul, appeared before the court and confirmed that work had already commenced.

They said the MC had issued a work order to Rajiv Kumar Aggarwal and trench restoration was currently in progress. However, the officials admitted that the complete re-carpeting of the road would take time due to weather conditions and technical evaluations.

The court was informed that the entire process would take approximately three months, with a completion deadline set for November 30.

Advocate Dutta accepted the timeline but stressed the need for timely execution given the prolonged hardship faced by the residents.

Passing the judgement, the Lok Adalat, chaired by Jagdeep Singh Marok, emphasised that both parties were bound by their statements, and the MC must ensure the timely completion of the road repairs by November 30.