The Delhi High Court on Monday said that the Central Vista project is an "essential project of national importance".
The Delhi High Court on Monday said that the Central Vista project is an "essential project of national importance", where the sovereign functions of Parliament are also to be conducted, and added that the public is "vitally interested" in the project.
The bench of Justices DN Patel and Jyoti Singh dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking to stop with immediate effect the work of the redevelopment of Central Vista Avenue.
While dismissing the plea, the bench noted, "The construction of Central Vista Avenue Redevelopment project cannot be seen in isolation and the work has to be completed within time-bound schedule."
The bench in its detailed judgment stated that petitioners have casually argued that the time limit be extended.
"Such kind of arguments cannot be accepted by this Court, keeping in view that the construction activity of this essential project or of a project of national importance cannot be stopped especially when the conditions imposed by the order of the DDMA dated April 19, 2021, is not flouted or violated," it said.
"Once the workers are staying at the site and all facilities have been provided by the respondent, COVID-19 protocols are adhered to and COVID-19 appropriate behaviour is being followed. Thus, there is no reason for this Court while exercising powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to stop the project," the bench observed.
The High Court said that the plea, filed by Anya Malhotra and Sohail Hashmi, is a "motivated petition" and not a genuine PIL.
"We are of the view that this is a motivated petition preferred by the petitioners and not genuine PIL. In view of that petition is dismissed with costs of Rs 1 lakh to be deposited by the petitioners with the Delhi State Legal Services Authority within four weeks from today," the bench said.
- ANI
1. Lutyen's Delhi redevelopment
)
The project aims to renovate and redevelop 86 acres of land in Lutyens's Delhi.
2. Landmark structures
)
Lutyens’s Delhi has some of the landmark structures of the Indian government including Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, North Block and South Block, etc
3. Prime Minister's dream project
)
This is also called the 'Prime Minister's dream project' of redeveloping the nation's administrative heart. The project was announced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on September 13, 2019.
4. Essential project of national importance: Delhi High Court
)
The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a plea seeking direction to suspend all construction activity of the Central Vista Avenue Redevelopment Project in view of the second wave of the COVID19 pandemic. Terming the project as “vital and essential”, the HC allowed construction work on the project to continue. The court has also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the petitioner saying it’s a ‘motivated plea and not a PIL.
5. Bhumi Pujan of new Parliament building
)
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Parliament building was held on December 10, 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a new, triangular Parliament building, with the capacity to seat between 900 and 1,200 MPs. The building is expected to be constructed by August 2022 when the nation will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day.
