Sikkim High Court Reviews Controversial Odd-Even Vehicle Rule

Gangtok: The Sikkim High Court has officially admitted a Public Interest Litigation challenging the state government's decision to implement an odd-even vehicular movement policy. Mahesh Rai, spokesperson for the Citizen Action Party-Sikkim, filed the petition to address widespread public concerns regarding how these restrictions impact daily travel and accessibility.

A division bench presiding over the case directed District Collectors across Sikkim to publish public notices within three days. These officials must collect grievances from citizens affected by the regulation and submit formal reports to the court. Additionally, the court ordered the state government to provide documentation detailing the public transportation measures and logistical arrangements currently in place to support residents.

State authorities introduced the odd-even policy as a traffic and mobility management tool, but the mandate has faced significant criticism from the public. The court will hold its next hearing on June 9 to review the findings from the district administrations and the state government's reports.