Lawyer Gets Notice Over 'Why Leave Early' Remark After 3 Die In 40-Hour Traffic Jam

Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 08:18 IST

The NHAI lawyer, who sparked controversy with his 'why people leave home early' remark over the Madhya Pradesh highway jam, received a show-cause notice.

A 40-hour-long jam led to death of three people on Indore–Dewas section of the Agra–Mumbai National Highway. (Courtesy: @PRADEEPGUR59349)

The National Highway Authority of India’s (NHAI) lawyer has been served a show-cause notice after he shockingly argued why people left their homes early with no work during the court hearing over the 40-hour traffic jam on a highway in Madhya Pradesh, in which three people died.

Amid the row over the lawyer’s remarks, the NHAI said that the lawyer has been served a show-cause notice and further clarified that his comments did not reflect the official version of the highway body.

The lawyer made the remarks during the Madhya Pradesh High Court hearing over the 40-hour-long traffic jam on the Indore-Dewas highway in which more than 4,000 vehicles got stranded on June 27.

During the traffic jam, three people lost their lives, including two who died due to heart attacks and one person who died before reaching the hospital.

“In reference to news regarding the remark made by an advocate representing NHAI during the hearing of a PIL about a traffic jam on June 30, 2025, in the High Court of Madhya Pradesh, Indore Bench, it is hereby clarified that the remark by the advocate does not represent the official version of NHAI," the highway body said on X.

“The remark from the advocate was made without any authorisation from NHAI. Accordingly, a show-cause notice has been served to the advocate," it added.

Also Read: ‘Why Step Out Early?’: NHAI’s Shocking Response After 3 Die In 40-Hour MP Jam

After the highway body was pulled up over the traffic jam on the Indore–Dewas section of the Agra–Mumbai National Highway by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, NHAI, instead of taking responsibility, said, “Why do people even leave home so early without any work?"

According to a report published by NDTV, NHAI’s legal counsel gave the response during the hearing of a PIL in the MP High Court.

The Central government and NHAI were given notice after three people died due to the traffic jam.

NHAI’s Incomplete Roads Trigger 40-Hour Jam, Leave 3 Dead

The high court, while issuing the fresh notice against NHAI, noted that the highways body was asked to complete the construction of a diversion road in September 2024. However, the road still remains unfinished.

Also Read: Three Dead After Getting Stuck In 32-Hour Traffic Jam In Madhya Pradesh’s Indore

The NHAI argued that the 10-day crusher unit strike led to the delay; however, the court said that it had requested three to four months to complete the work.

Because of NHAI’s unfinished work, there was a 40-hour-long traffic jam on the highway, which led to the death of three people.

Prisha Vibhavari

Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact storytelling...Read More

Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact storytelling...

Read More

Location :

Indore, India, India

First Published:

News india Lawyer Gets Notice Over 'Why Leave Early' Remark After 3 Die In 40-Hour Traffic Jam