By Astha
The Supreme Court bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari, and Sanjiv Khanna has granted time to the parties in the matter against the Central Vista project, dealing with the redevelopment of historically significant structures like India Gate, Parliament House, etc. to file their arguments by November 16.
The petitioners have filed the plea challenging the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) notification issued on December 21, 2019. It is related to the redevelopment of iconic buildings in Lutyens Delhi.
The central government defended the Rs 20,000-crore project by saying that the redevelopment is necessary as it does not stick to certain safety norms.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, said that “the current building was built in 1927 prior to independence and was intended to house the legislative council and not a bicameral legislature we have today.”
He further said,
“The building does not conform to fire safety norms and water and sewer lines are also haphazard which is damaging the heritage nature of the building.”