Mangaluru: The Bajpe Police in Mangaluru have registered a case against the owners and organisers of Royal Palace and Vondela Hall in Ganjimutt for allegedly causing obstruction to vehicular movement during a wedding function held on Sunday. The incident, which occurred between 12 noon and 2 pm near Muchur Cross, led to severe traffic congestion along National Highway 169, inconveniencing commuters and raising concerns over event management practices.
Wedding event leads to highway congestion
According to Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH, the organisers had rented out the premises for a marriage function but allegedly failed to make adequate parking arrangements for guests. As a result, numerous vehicles were parked haphazardly along the busy highway, significantly disrupting the smooth flow of traffic.
National Highway 169 is a crucial arterial road connecting several parts of coastal Karnataka, and any obstruction on this route tends to have a cascading effect on traffic movement. Eyewitnesses reported long queues of vehicles stretching along the highway, with motorists facing delays of up to 30 minutes during peak hours of the event.
Local residents and commuters expressed frustration over the situation, stating that such incidents have become increasingly frequent due to inadequate planning by private event venues. Many pointed out that the lack of designated parking spaces at popular wedding halls often forces guests to park along public roads, leading to congestion and safety risks.
Police register suo motu case
Taking cognisance of the disruption, the Bajpe Police Station registered a suo motu case against the hall owners and event organisers. The case has been filed under Sections 126(2), 285, and 292 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 122 of the Indian Motor Vehicles (IMV) Act.
These sections pertain to acts causing public nuisance, negligent conduct endangering public safety, and obstruction of public ways. Police officials stated that such violations are taken seriously, especially when they affect major public infrastructure like highways.
An officer associated with the investigation noted that event organisers are legally responsible for ensuring that their activities do not disrupt public order or safety. “Adequate parking and traffic management plans must be in place before hosting large gatherings. Failure to do so will invite legal consequences,” the officer said.
Growing concern over event venue compliance
The incident has once again highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of regulations governing event venues in urban and semi-urban areas. Authorities have previously issued guidelines mandating sufficient parking facilities and traffic coordination for large events, but compliance remains inconsistent.
Urban planners and civic experts argue that with the increasing number of private function halls, there is an urgent need for better infrastructure planning and monitoring. In many cases, halls are approved without considering the surrounding road capacity or parking requirements, leading to recurring traffic issues.
Residents of Ganjimutt have urged authorities to conduct regular inspections of event venues and impose stricter penalties on those violating norms. They also called for better coordination between police, local bodies, and event organisers to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Conclusion
The case registered by Bajpe Police serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible event management and adherence to civic regulations. As Mangaluru continues to grow, ensuring smooth traffic flow and public safety will require stricter enforcement and greater accountability from private venue operators. The ongoing investigation is expected to determine the extent of negligence and lead to appropriate action against those responsible.