Delhi High Court refuses to halt Vista project, fines petitioners

New Delhi, May 31

The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to halt construction work on the Central Vista project in the national capital, saying it was “vital and essential” and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the petitioners for wasting its time by filing a “motivated” petition.

A Bench, headed by Chief Justice DN Patel, said the legality of the project had already been upheld by the Supreme Court and the Delhi Disaster Management Authority also allowed the work to continue.

The workers were already present at the site and, therefore, “we see no reason to stop the work”, it said.

Under the contract awarded to the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, the work had to be completed by November 2021 and, therefore, it should to be allowed to continue, it noted.

Petitioners — Anya Malhotra, who works as a translator, and documentary filmmaker Sohail Hashmi had contended that the project was not an essential activity and therefore, it can be put on hold in view of a sudden spike in Covid cases.

The Central Vista redevelopment plan – which aims to free up 75 acre land in the heart of the capital – involves demolition of around 10 buildings, including Shastri Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan, Vice-President’s House and Lok Nayak Bhawan. — TNS