SC refuses to stay redevelopment of Central Vista in New Delhi

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, April 30

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to stay the redevelopment of the Central Vista area of New Delhi, saying there was no urgency.

"During COVID-19, nobody is going to do anything...there is no urgency," a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde said.

The Central Vista redevelopment plan – which aims to free up 75-acre land in the heart of the capital – involves the demolition of around 10 buildings, including Shastri Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan, Vice-President’s House and Lok Nayak Bhawan. It is planned that a common central secretariat complex and a new Parliament building would be constructed.

As petitioner Rajeev Suri said they have approached the authority for clearance, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the petition.

"Parliament is being constructed. Why should anyone have any objection?" Mehta submitted.

Invoking ‘larger public interest’, the Supreme Court had on March 7 transferred to itself petitions challenging the redevelopment of New Delhi's Central Vista area from the Delhi High Court.

"In our opinion, it is just and proper that writ petition itself is heard by this Court instead of examining the grievance about the manner in which the interim directions have been passed and then vacated by the High Court,” the top court had said.

Earlier, a single judge’s Bench had directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to approach the Court before notifying the proposed land-use changes in the Central Vista.

But a Division Bench of Delhi High Court had stayed the Single Judge’s order that had come on two petitions filed by Rajeev Suri and Lt Col Anuj Srivastava challenging the Public Notice inviting objections against the change of land use of several plots of land in Central Vista.

Apprehending that the DDA may notify the proposed land-use changes, Suri had moved the top court against the Division Bench order.

Suri had contended that the notice inviting objections for the change of land use of several plots in Central Vista was not in conformity with Delhi Master Plan-2021 and other relevant laws and norms.