The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is preparing to challenge in the Supreme Court the Punjab and Haryana High Court order that scrapped the Tribune Chowk flyover project. The High Court had ruled on May 29 that the flyover project violated the Chandigarh Master Plan (CMP) 2031.
Draft Special Leave Petition Forwarded to Ministry
The UT Engineering Department formally forwarded the draft special leave petition (SLP) to the ministry on August 7. Official communications accessed by The Tribune reveal that the draft SLP has been prepared and duly vetted by the same legal team that had defended the project before the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
According to The Tribune, in a memo dated August 7, the UT Administration forwarded the draft SLP to the MoRTH for "taking further necessary action to challenge the High Court order dated 29.5.2026."
Background of the High Court Decision
The Punjab and Haryana High Court had earlier rejected the proposed Tribune flyover in Chandigarh. The bench ruled that the project violates the Chandigarh Master Plan, which is a key planning document for the city's development.
As reported by The Indian Express, the High Court's decision came after examining the project's compliance with the city's planning regulations. The court's ruling effectively grounded the flyover project, which had been a subject of debate in the city.
What This Means for the Flyover Project
The move to challenge the High Court order in the Supreme Court signals that the administration is not ready to abandon the project. By preparing the SLP, the UT Administration and the Central Government are keeping the legal options open for the flyover to be built.
According to Hindustan Times, the Chandigarh Administration had earlier sought legal opinion after the High Court scrapped the flyover. The decision to move the Supreme Court is the next step in that process.
Our Take: A Legal Battle That Will Decide City's Infrastructure Future
To put it plainly, this is a significant development for Chandigarh's infrastructure planning. The Central Government's decision to challenge the High Court order shows that the flyover project remains a priority for the administration.
The key question now is whether the Supreme Court will agree with the High Court's interpretation of the Chandigarh Master Plan or allow the project to proceed. This case will set an important precedent for how infrastructure projects are weighed against city planning regulations.
In our view, the administration must balance the need for better traffic infrastructure with the importance of following the Master Plan. The Supreme Court's decision will ultimately determine whether the Tribune Chowk flyover gets built or remains grounded.
For residents of Chandigarh, this means the traffic situation at Tribune Chowk may remain unresolved for some time as the legal process continues. The outcome of this case will shape how similar projects are planned and approved in the future.
