Nishka Srinivas Veluvali –
Published On: November 23, 2021 at 17:50 IST
The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the Petition stating that the Central Vista Redevelopment Project will affect “public recreational” zone.
The Court while quashing the Petition that claimed , “Everything can be criticised but there should be constructive criticism.”
Justice AM Khanwilkar said, “It’s not a private property being created there. The Vice President’s residence is being created. There is bound to be greenery around. The plan has already been approved by the authorities unless you are alleging malafide in the process.”
Further, on the Court asked, “Will we start asking the common man now, where will the residence of the Vice President be?”
The project counts in a re-make of 3.2 km stretch in the heart of New Delhi – developed by the British before Independence with the cost of 20,000 crore.
The Petition filed by a social activist; Rajeev Suri claimed that land used in some areas were restructured from “public recreational” to “residential” for the project. He asserted that this might affect the area presently meant for public recreation.
In response to the Plea, the Apex Court stated, “It’s prerogative of the authorities concerned to make changes in the development plan.” stressing that it is “a policy matter.”
The Government had requested the Court to reject this misinterpreted Petition.
The Government in response to this Petition stated that the plot had been used by the Defence Ministry for years now and the Government itself decided to increase several public recreation areas in the master project of Central Vista, for immense benefit of the public.
The redevelopment project is anticipated to be completed by the next year, when India will mark its 75 years of Independence.
Many Government buildings, comprising the Parliament House and Ministry Offices will be redeveloped as a part of this project.