SC allows ‘Bhoomi Pujan’, but ‘no construction’ in Central Vista project till matter decided

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Centre for reportedly initiating the construction process with announcement of ground-breaking ceremony for the new parliament building in the Central Vista project, even as the issues connected with the redevelopment plan were under consideration by the top court.

A bench headed by Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and comprising Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna said that the court expected that it is dealing with a prudent litigant and that some deference will be shown. “We don’t mind if you do paperwork, or lay foundation stone but no construction should be done,” said the bench.

There was announcement by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla of the government’s plans for Bhoomipujan for the new parliament building on Thursday. “In view of the above, we clarify that the authorities would be free to continue with procedural processes without altering the status of the site(s) in question in any manner, including to continue with the scheduled programme of foundation stone-laying on 10th December, 2020”, said the top court.

In a sharp observation, the bench added that it never thought the Centre will go ahead so aggressively with the construction.

The top court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta representing the Centre to take clear instructions to ensure that there is no construction till the matter is decided by the court.

The top court told Mehta that it has listed this matter because of certain developments, which it has come across in the public domain. The bench added that the fact that there is no stay does not mean the Centre can go ahead with everything.

Mehta submitted before the top court that there won’t be any construction, demolition or shifting of trees in the Central Vista till the top court delivers its judgment. “After interacting with the Solicitor General and when the concern of the Court was expressed, on instructions, the Solicitor General stated that there will be no construction activity of any nature on the concerned site(s) nor demolition of any structure will be done, including the further trans-location of tree(s) will be kept in abeyance, until the pronouncement of judgment in all these cases”, said the top court order taking on record Mehta’s statement.

On November 5, the top court had reserved the verdict on the petitions challenging the project and alleging that there is an illegal change in land use and has urged the court to quash the project. The petitioners have challenged a notification issued by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on December 21, 2019 regarding changes in land use for the redevelopment.

IANS

The English Post is on Telegram and WhatsApp, click to join for regular news updates