Kareena Eugene
A petition seeking the suspension of all construction activities in relation to the Central Vista Redevelopment Project in conformity of the orders issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority has been filed in the Delhi High Court in the wake of the surge in the COVID-19 pandemic in the National Capital.
The petition was moved by the Anya Malhotra and Sohail Hashmi. They highlight that the construction of the project, mentioned earlier, has a “super spreading potential and threat” to the workers who will be exposed to the virus while working on a daily basis without payment.
The Plea calls it “relentless, unmindful and reckless act” of the Union of India and Central Public Works Department.
The Plea states that the act of continuing with the project posing threat to the lives of the citizens has, “The potential of being a super spreader and is in clear breach and violation of the Orders passed by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority”.
The Plea further states that, “The construction of the Project cannot be equated to an essential activity. There is no exigency whatsoever in the construction of the Project and there is no reason why the same cannot be suspended at a time when Delhi is facing an unprecedented health crisis. There is no rational basis to differentiate between workers engaged in the construction of the Project and workers engaged in any other construction work. It cannot be stated that the construction work being carried out as a part of the Project is any more essential than the construction of other public services.”
The petition was strongly opposed by ASG Chetan Sharma appearing for the Centre while, Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra appeared for the petitioner.
Although the Bench comprising of Chief Justice D. N. Patel and Justice Jasmeet Singh, showed no inclination towards issuing a notice with regards to the Plea, they listed the matter for further hearing on 17th May, 2021.
