Madhya Pradesh High Court Judge Cycles To Court After PM Modi’s Appeal On Fuel Conservation

Madhya Pradesh High Court judge Justice Dwarka Dhish Bansal on Tuesday chose an unconventional mode of transport to reach court, cycling nearly three kilometres from his official residence in Jabalpur to the High Court premises amid growing public discussions around fuel conservation and rising global energy concerns.

The judge, presently posted at the Jabalpur Bench of the High Court, was accompanied by a member of the court staff during the ride from the Civil Lines area to the court complex. The move came against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal urging citizens to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption in light of escalating international tensions and increasing crude oil prices.

Soon after arriving at court, Justice Bansal addressed the media and said the decision to travel by bicycle was intended to encourage citizens to adopt simpler and more sustainable practices for short-distance commuting. According to him, the message was not directed merely at the public at large, but also at those holding constitutional offices and positions of authority.

Justice Bansal observed that the worsening global situation had made fuel conservation a matter of collective responsibility. Referring to the Prime Minister’s remarks over the past two days, he said the appeal to save fuel was not symbolic but a practical necessity at a time when international instability was affecting economies across the world. He added that he felt judges should also participate in such efforts instead of expecting ordinary citizens alone to make sacrifices.

The judge further remarked that cycling was neither difficult nor extraordinary, especially for short distances within the city. He said members of the judiciary should not consider themselves separate from the everyday obligations that bind society. Justice Bansal also disclosed that he occasionally cycles around Jabalpur with Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, describing it as a healthy and environmentally conscious habit.

His comments have drawn attention online, particularly after a video of the bicycle ride and his interaction with reporters began circulating on social media platforms. Many users described the gesture as a symbolic but timely reminder about responsible civic conduct at a moment when discussions on energy consumption, sustainability and public accountability have gained prominence.

Prime Minister Modi, while speaking at public events earlier this week, had called upon citizens to consciously reduce fuel usage and avoid avoidable expenditure in view of the economic implications arising from the ongoing crisis in West Asia. He had stressed that rising fuel prices could exert pressure on India’s import bill and foreign exchange reserves, making public participation in conservation efforts increasingly important.

The Prime Minister had also encouraged the use of public transport, cycling and electric vehicles for short-distance travel wherever feasible. In addition, he suggested that sectors capable of adopting remote working arrangements should consider reviving work-from-home practices to minimise fuel consumption linked to daily commuting.

Justice Bansal’s decision to cycle to court has since been viewed as an attempt to translate those broader public appeals into personal action. At a time when judicial officers are often seen through the lens of institutional distance, the image of a sitting High Court judge travelling to court on a bicycle offered a contrasting picture of accessibility and civic participation.