HC seeks Delhi govt's reply on plea against odd-even scheme

The plea seeking exemption for lawyers, was filed by advocate Rajiv Khosla

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's response on a plea seeking quashing of the notification restricting movement of vehicles on the basis of odd-even registration numbers.

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice Jayant Nath also issued notice to Delhi government and asked it to file a status report on another plea seeking exemption for advocates from the ongoing odd-even scheme.

The court was of the view that in its earlier order it had asked the Delhi government to consider the issues raised by a group of lawyers in their petition filed during the first phase of the odd-even scheme.

"Please get instructions and file a status report on whether you have considered this aspect (exempting the lawyers or not). Tell us with regard to the steps you have taken before issuance of this present notification," the bench said and listed the matter for further hearing on April 25.

The court was hearing two petitions — one challenging the April 11 notification restricting movement of vehicles on the basis of odd-even registration numbers and another seeking exemption for lawyers from the scheme.

The plea seeking exemption for lawyers, which was filed by advocate Rajiv Khosla, had contended that they are entitled to be exempted as they assist the courts in guarding the personal liberty and civil rights of citizens.

It had also opposed the imposition of Rs 2,000 as fine for violation, claiming that without proper amendments in the Motor Vehicles Act, Delhi Government "cannot arbitrarily" fix a fine.

Another plea, filed by Delhi resident Rohini Jolly through advocate Sachit Jolly, sought quashing of the April 11 notification restricting movement of vehicles on the basis of odd-even registration numbers.