COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON PUBLIC NUISANCE LAWS
Public Space Misuse Can Lead to Arrest: Surat Builder’s Case Shows Legal Consequences
Blocking traffic and bursting crackers violates public order laws
Courts and police stress accountability in use of shared spaces
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: December 25, 2025:
On December 21, 2025, a 58-year-old real estate developer, Deepak Ijardar, was arrested in Surat, Gujarat, for allegedly blocking traffic and bursting firecrackers on a busy public road to celebrate his son’s birthday. The incident, which took place near Langar Circle in the Dumas area, went viral after videos circulated on social media showing vehicles halted while crackers were lit on the road.
The arrest highlights the legal consequences of misusing public spaces, reminding citizens that celebrations cannot come at the cost of public safety and order.
Background of the Incident
- The builder stopped traffic on a busy stretch of Dumas Road.
- Firecrackers were lit in the middle of the road, causing disruption and risk to commuters.
- Police cited violation of the Commissioner’s prohibitory orders and registered a case.
- The viral video prompted swift police action, leading to Ijardar’s arrest.
Laws Governing Public Space Misuse
Several laws in India regulate the use of public spaces to ensure safety and order:
- Indian Penal Code (IPC):
- Section 268 (Public Nuisance): Any act causing injury, danger, or annoyance to the public.
- Section 283 (Danger or Obstruction in Public Way): Punishes obstruction of public roads.
- Section 290 (Punishment for Public Nuisance): Fine for acts not otherwise covered.
- Police Commissioner’s Orders: Local police often issue prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC, banning activities that disturb public peace.
- Explosives Act, 1884 & Fireworks Rules: Regulate the use of firecrackers, especially in public places.
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Penalizes obstruction of traffic and endangerment of road safety.
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Violating these provisions can lead to arrest, fines, and even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the act.
Court and Police Observations
Authorities stressed that:
- Public celebrations must not endanger commuters or obstruct traffic.
- Social media virality cannot justify illegal acts.
- Accountability applies equally to influential individuals like builders.
Police clarified that such acts are punishable and that enforcement will be strict to deter similar incidents.
Impact of the Case
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- For Citizens: A reminder that misuse of public spaces can lead to arrest.
- For Law Enforcement: Reinforces the need for vigilance in maintaining public order.
- For Society: Highlights the balance between personal celebrations and collective safety.
Broader Context
India has witnessed several cases where misuse of public spaces led to legal action:
- Marriage processions blocking highways have been penalized.
- Political rallies without permission have faced police intervention.
- Bursting crackers in restricted zones has led to fines under pollution control laws.
These cases show a consistent trend: public space is a shared resource, and misuse invites legal consequences.
Conclusion
The arrest of Surat builder Deepak Ijardar for blocking traffic and bursting crackers during his son’s birthday celebrations is a cautionary tale. It underscores that public spaces are governed by law, and violations can lead to criminal charges.
Citizens must remember that celebrations, protests, or personal acts cannot compromise public safety, traffic flow, or peace. The law is clear: misuse of public space is punishable, and accountability applies to all.
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