Nainital legal fraternity observes ‘No Vehicle Day’, HC turns into green zone

Nainital: In a push toward environmental sustainability, Uttarakhand high court transformed its premises into a “green zone” on Friday. Following a special appeal by the Chief Justice, all judges, judicial officers, court staff and members of the Bar Association observed a “No Vehicle Day” to promote fuel conservation and ecological awareness.The initiative, which commenced at 10 am at the HC compound, aimed to set a precedent for public institutions in the fight against climate change. In a rare display of collective responsibility, the legal community was urged to forgo private vehicles and commute to work either on foot or by bicycle.All local judges and staff arrived at the court using non-motorised transport. To ensure the spirit of the day was maintained without causing undue hardship, outstation members of the Bar—including those commuting from Bhowali, Haldwani, and Ramnagar—were requested to attend proceedings via virtual mode.The primary objective was to underscore the urgent need for fuel conservation and to reduce the carbon footprint within the eco-sensitive zone of Nainital.Registrar (protocol) Rahul Kumar Srivastava noted that this “noble initiative” is part of the high court’s broader vision to lead by example. By clearing the compound of vehicular traffic, the judiciary hopes to send a powerful message to the citizens of Uttarakhand regarding the impact of individual choices on the environment.Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, along with Justices Manoj Kumar Tiwari, Ravindra Maithani, Rakesh Thapliyal, Pankaj Purohit, Ashish Naithani, Alok Mehra, and Siddharth Sah, walked nearly half a kilometer from Pant Sadan to the high court premises. State advocate general SN Babulkar also joined the initiative, walking approximately one kilometer from his residence at Oak Park.“In the national interest, all of us should contribute to this campaign. We are citizens of this country, and it is our collective responsibility to protect the environment,” said Chief Justice Gupta while addressing the gathering.Registrar General Yogesh Gupta, alongside other registrars, judicial officers, and employees, similarly reached the court on foot, reflecting a rare unity in support of an environmental cause.The campaign drew widespread public attention in Nainital, where quieter roads and cleaner surroundings stood as a symbolic victory for green activism. Court officials expressed hope that the initiative would inspire similar movements across Uttarakhand and beyond.