New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the ground work on Rs 20,000 crore Central Vista Project and at the same time warned government of continuing work when the matter is pending before the court; the court has sought centre's and petitioner's affidavit/rejoinder in the matter.
The bench comprising of Justice A M Khanwilkar, Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Sanjiv Khanna were hearing a PIL filed by Rajiv Suri who had challenged the Central Vista Project contending that there is an illegal change in land use which would deprive people of green spaces.
The project which will cover around 86 acres is about building a new parliament, common secretariat and other government offices in the central Delhi by 2022 as the current infrastructure is not sufficient for the government's strength.
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Advocate for Suri told the court that there is some order pending with the environment clearance committee. Moreover, he wants to amend his plea thereby he requested the apex court to put a stay on the project.
"If government goes ahead when we are seized of this, it will be at their own risk and cost," the judges said. Reportedly, in the last hearing as well, the court had declined to order a stay on the project owing to the covid-19 outbreak.
Sources say, government had also questioned on why would somebody have a problem with construction of a new parliament building. Bench led by CJI SA Bobde had asked Suri to amend his plea as a similar plea was pending before the top court and his plea would just add to duplication.
