On Tuesday, the Supreme Court cleared the way for the Central Vista project and, in a near-unanimous decision, allowed the government to go forward with its construction.
A host of petitions were heard by the top court challenging the lack of accountability and objectivity in the granting of project clearances by the government and the Central Vista Committee.
A three-judge bench, led by Justice AM Khanwilkar and comprising Justice Dinesh Maheshwari and Justice Sanjiv Khanna, released its decision on petitions based on various aspects of the project relating to the grant of environmental clearance, violations of legislative and municipal rules, heritage protection, land use reform under the Delhi Development Act, and means of inviting the public to participate.
The bench was unanimous on the part of the notice inviting bid, appointment and project consultant on the grand renovation of the Centre.
While issuing the verdict, the Supreme Court noted that the approval of the Heritage Protection Committee would be necessary when construction work for Central Vista begins.
The court has also guided proposal promoters to get the Heritage Committee’s permission. Smog towers will be set up by the redevelopment project promoters as an integral part of the central vista project, the top court ordered.
