Lakshadweep’s Wednesday Vehicle Ban Faces Court Challenge Ahead of Feb. 25 Rollout

Overview

• The February 17 circular by District Collector R. Giri Sankar designates every Wednesday as a ‘No Vehicle Day’ across all islands starting February 25.
• Vehicles for persons with disabilities, security duties and emergency medical use are exempt, with a ₹500 penalty for violations.
• The writ petition filed by advocate Ajmal Khan C P (WP(C) 6681/2026) argues the blanket ban infringes Articles 14, 19(1)(d), 19(1)(g) and 21 and lacks empirical basis on pollution.
• Residents and MP Mohammed Hamdulla Sayeed warn of hardship for school transport, passengers arriving on fixed Wednesday schedules, and vulnerable groups including the elderly and children.
• Lakshadweep’s roads carry a relatively small but vital vehicle fleet, with 25,472 registered vehicles in 2022–23 and about 18,561 in use, underscoring concerns over daily mobility and supplies.