Picture : Twitter / ANI
The construction of the new parliament complex near Delhi’s India Gate can go ahead, the Supreme Court said in response to petitions that challenged the Central Vista project. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for the new Parliament building and the construction is expected to be completed by 2022 at an estimated cost of Rs 971 crore.
A three-judge bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar, by 2:1 majority, held that the grant of environmental clearance and the notification for change in land use for the project was valid. Justice Khanwilkar, writing the judgement for himself and Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, also directed that the project proponent set up smog tower and use anti-smog guns at the construction site for the Central Vista project.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the third judge on the bench, also agreed on the issue of award of project.
“We hold that there are no infirmities in clearances given, change in land use,” a three-judge bench of the court said in a majority verdict.
Supreme Court says excercise of the power under DDA Act is just and valid. The recommendations of environmental clearance by Ministry of Environment is just, valid and proper and we uphold the same.
SC further stated that Heritage Conservation Committee approval needed for construction work to begin. Supreme Court directs project proponents to get approval from the Committee.
