Jabalpur/Bhopal, May 12 In a symbolic gesture supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption, Madhya Pradesh High Court judge, Justice D.D. Bansal, rode a bicycle from his official residence to the High Court in Jabalpur on Tuesday, setting an example amid growing concerns over fuel usage and environmental conservation.
Justice Bansal cycled three kilometres from the Civil Lines area to the High Court in the scorching summer heat. What made the scene more striking was that his security personnel also accompanied him on bicycles instead of the usual official convoy.
Typically, when a High Court judge travels through the city, traffic movement is regulated and a pilot vehicle escorts the official car. Judges of the Madhya Pradesh High Court generally commute in official or personal vehicles from their residences in Civil Lines to the court premises.
However, Tuesday morning presented an unusual and widely discussed sight as Justice Bansal chose a bicycle over a car.
Later, speaking to news reporters, Justice Bansal said he was inspired by the Prime Minister’s repeated appeal to citizens to minimise petrol and diesel consumption.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the public to reduce their consumption of petrol. Consequently, I decided to commute from my bungalow to the High Court on a bicycle,” he said.
He further stated that cycling has always been a part of his life and that he did not face any inconvenience while travelling to court.
“Cycling is nothing new to me. During my childhood, I used to cycle to school. Even now, I cycle regularly on Dumna Road. I have also cycled within the city with the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva,” he added.
Rejecting the notion that judges cannot commute by bicycle, Justice Bansal remarked, “It is hot, so there may be some minor inconvenience, but cycling is beneficial. I experienced absolutely no discomfort while covering the distance from Civil Lines to the High Court.”
His gesture comes at a time when large political convoys and VIP vehicle movements often draw criticism over fuel wastage.
While in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Energy Minister Pradyuman Singh Tomar also opted for an e-scooter instead of a large vehicle while travelling to the state ministry in Bhopal on Tuesday.
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