Explorer

Delhi HC Dismisses Plea To Stop Construction In Central Vista Project, Imposes 1 Lakh Fine On Petitioner

The court imposed Rs 1 lakh fine on petitioners and said that it was a motivated plea and not a PIL.

New Delhi: Amid much uproar by the opposition parties over the Central Vista project, the Delhi High Court dismissed a plea seeking direction to suspend all construction activity in view of the second wave of the COVID19 pandemic. 

The petition was filed citing the reasons that workers involved in the construction work can be infected with Coronavirus.

Also Read|Kerala Assembly Passes Resolution To Remove Lakshadweep Administrator, Asks Centre To Intervene

The court imposed Rs 1 lakh fine on petitioners & says it's a motivated plea. It was not a PIL

A bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh refused to stop the construction and fined the petitioners Rs 1 lakh. “Since workers at the project at staying on sight, no question of suspending the work arises,” the court said.

The concern DDMA order in question nowhere prohibits construction work, the Court further added.

On May 17, the judges had reserved their verdict after hearing both sides for more than three hours. A joint petition was filed by Anya Malhotra, who works as a translator, and Sohail Hashmi, a historian and documentary filmmaker. They argued that the Central Vista project was not an essential activity and can be put on hold in light of the pandemic.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehra, representing the Centre, had said that the petition was a “facade” and a “disguise” to stall the project which they always wanted to stop. The petitioners told the court they were only interested in the safety of workers at the site and citizens living in the area.

The Court further noted that the work at Central Avenue has to be completed before November and said time is essence of the contract. “The work has to be completed within time-bound schedule,” the bench said, adding once the workers at staying at the site and “all the facilities have been provided, COVID-19 protocols are adhered to and COVID-19 appropriate behaviour is being followed,” there is no reason for the court to stop the project.

“This a motivated petition preferred by the petitioner and is not a genuine Public Interest Litigation,” said the court, while imposing a cost on the petitioners.

 

 

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

Pawar Family Hosts Separate Diwali Events For 1st Time As Ajit, Sharad Gear Up For Maharashtra Polls
Pawar Power Split: Pawar Family Hosts Two Diwalis For 1st Time As Ajit, Sharad Gear Up For Polls
Salman Khan Apartment Firing: Extradition Process Initiated To Bring Back Lawrence Bishnoi's Brother
Salman Khan Apartment Firing: Extradition Process Initiated To Bring Back Lawrence Bishnoi's Brother
NASA's New Space Pic On Halloween Reveals Giant Pair Of 'Ghostly Eyes', But It's Not What You Think
Is Someone Watching Us From Space? NASA's New Pic Reveals Pair Of Ghostly Eyes, But It's Not What You Think
Bhai Phota 2024: Know The Story Behind 'Bhaier Kopale Dilam Phota' Rhyme Sisters Recite For Brothers In Bengal
'Bhaier Kopale Dilam Phota...': Story Behind The Bhai Phota Rhyme Sisters Recite For Brothers In Bengal
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

Diwali 2024: Akshardham Air Quality Deteriorates to Hazardous Levels Post-October 30Bihar's Air Turns Toxic: Fireworks Lead to Hazardous AQI Across Multiple DistrictsDiwali 2024: Fireworks Leave Delhi NCR and Jaipur Choking with Hazardous Air QualityDiwali 2024: Fireworks Turn Delhi's Air Toxic, Breathing Becomes a Struggle | ABP News

Photo Gallery

Embed widget