Lawyer gets notice over ‘why leave early’ remark after 3 die in 40-hr highway jam in MP
A recent court hearing regarding a 40-hour traffic jam on a Madhya Pradesh highway took an unexpected turn when a lawyer representing the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) made a controversial remark that has sparked widespread outrage. The lawyer, who was appearing in court to discuss the jam, which had resulted in the tragic deaths of three people, questioned why individuals left their homes early with no work to do. The remark has now led to the lawyer receiving a show-cause notice, with NHAI clarifying that the comment did not represent the official version of the organization.
The 40-hour traffic jam occurred on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway in Madhya Pradesh, a major highway that connects the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The jam was reportedly caused by a combination of factors, including a multi-vehicle collision and a lack of adequate infrastructure to handle the volume of traffic. The incident led to widespread congestion, with thousands of vehicles stuck on the highway for hours.
The court hearing was held to discuss the cause of the traffic jam and to determine what measures could be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. However, the lawyer’s remark has overshadowed the actual purpose of the hearing. The lawyer, who has not been named, suggested that individuals who left their homes early with no work to do were partly responsible for the traffic jam. He claimed that if people had stayed at home, the traffic congestion would not have occurred.
The remark was met with widespread criticism, with many people taking to social media to express their outrage. Many felt that the lawyer’s comment was insensitive and lacked empathy for the families of the three people who lost their lives in the traffic jam. The comment was also seen as a diversionary tactic, aimed at shifting the blame from the NHAI and other authorities to the general public.
The NHAI has now issued a statement clarifying that the lawyer’s remark does not represent the official version of the organization. The statement reads, “The remark made by the lawyer does not represent the official version of NHAI. We deeply regret the loss of three lives in the traffic jam and are committed to taking all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.”
The statement also emphasized that the NHAI is responsible for ensuring the safety and smooth functioning of the highway, and that any failures on its part would be thoroughly investigated and addressed. The organization has promised to take concrete steps to improve the infrastructure and management of the highway, including increasing the number of lanes, improving signage and lighting, and enhancing emergency response capabilities.
The show-cause notice issued to the lawyer is a significant development in this case. The notice is a formal document that requires the lawyer to explain why he made the remark and why he believes it is justified. If the lawyer fails to satisfactorily respond to the notice, he could face disciplinary action, including suspension or even termination from his position.
The incident highlights the need for greater sensitivity and empathy in public discourse, particularly in cases involving tragedy and loss of life. Public officials and representatives have a responsibility to set an example and to engage in respectful and responsible communication. The lawyer’s remark has caused unnecessary pain and suffering to the families of the victims, and serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in our interactions with others.
In conclusion, the lawyer’s remark has sparked widespread outrage and has led to a show-cause notice being issued. The NHAI has clarified that the remark does not represent the official version of the organization, and has emphasized its commitment to taking all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of sensitivity and empathy in public discourse, and highlights the need for public officials and representatives to set an example and to engage in respectful and responsible communication.
Source: https://x.com/NHAI_Official/status/1940345446096048284
