HC Judge gives up red beacon

Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 20

Taking the initiative, Justice Mahesh Grover of the Punjab and Haryana High Court today gave up the red beacon.

Justice Grover could not be contacted for his comments. However, sources in the High Court confirmed that Justice Grover surrendered the beacon this morning to “bridge the gap between justice and the common man”. The state government had recently issued a notification prohibiting the use of the red beacon on all vehicles, except exempted categories.

The red light with the flasher can now be used only by a few categories of dignitaries, including the Governor, the Chief Justice and Judges of the High Court. Justice Grover’s action has been lauded by the Bar and some former HC judges.

“The removal of flashing red light from atop the vehicle has deeper symbolic ramifications. You see the right to equality and non-discrimination in the administration of justice is the hallmark of an efficient and effective judiciary. The removal of red light is taking the concept of equality before law a step forward,” says former Additional Solicitor General of India Mohan Jain. “It is well known that all are equal before the law and are entitled to equal protection of the law without any discrimination. But now the dispenser and receiver of justice are on the same footing.”

Justice should not only be done, but also seen to be done, says a former High Court Judge. “What can be a better way to instil a sense of confidence in a common litigant than to give them the impression of being one of them,” he adds.