Central Vista Verdict.
Central Vista project
In 2019, the central government announced renovating and redevelopment of 86 acres of land in Lutyene’s Delhi which includes government buildings such as Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, North block and South block etc. All these come under “Central Project Vista”. The cost estimation was said to be 970 cr INR but few suggest it’s upto 20,000 cr INR.
On Dec 10, 2020 Prime minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the construction of new parliamentary building. The “Prime minister’s dream to renovate the heart of the administrative nation.
Petition on supreme court
A petition was issued on supreme court of April 2020 by Rajeev Suri challenging the notification of March 2020 regarding 86 acres of land, therefore violating citizens right to life guaranteed under article 21 by occupying park and land with must be a public place.
The petitioner challenge is the change of land use and occupying vast land then there was early ex. Plot number 2 in the project is a public park. They defended themselves saying that the park was closed for public due to security concerns. By this, they violate the municipal law and also they occupy parks and trees present in those part which again is a violation of environmental act. They are also accused for modification of “master plan of Delhi 2021”. Since the is building is historical no proper permission was taken from World Heritage conservation committee.
The verdict
The court heard the challenge on three main grounds: the change in land use; Municipal law violations; And violations of environmental law. During the final hearings in October and November 2020, several high-ranking lawyers appeared in the case. The court set aside its judgment on November 5.
Finally on January 5, 2020 supreme court showed green signal Central Vista project. A Bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna pronounced the 2-1 judgment.
Defending challenger put forth that the buildings are 100 years old and are structurally weak and might not stand an earthquake. And also they stated that there is no adequate space for the members. Security was also a great concern. Hence 3 out of 2 judges agreed. However, justice sanjiv khana was not agreed because of no prior approval from Heritage conservation committee. Change in land use and environmental clearance was also a reason.
History of Lutyene’s Delhi
It was named after Sir Edwin Lutyens who was the architectural designer of new British India. In 1911, Britain’s King George V had announced, “We have decided upon the transfer of the seat of the Government of India from Calcutta to the ancient Capital of Delhi.” hence Delhi becomes new capital of British India from Calcutta. Therefore the buildings have 100 years of history.
