The Delhi High Court on Tuesday decided to hear a petition against the ongoing Central Vista construction amid Covid 19 on Wednesday. The hearing today was held before the bench of Chief Justice D.N. Patel and Justice Jasmeet Singh.
The petitioners have argued that the Central Vista Project cannot be said to an “essential service” merely because an executive mandated contractual deadline is ostensibly required to be met.
Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra appeared for the petitioner and said: “The matter relates to a specific area where construction is going on unabated, while there is full curfew elsewhere.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said he has filed a reply. He clarified that he was the official Counsel for the respondent.
Luthra said: “We have moved an application for appointment of a Commissioner.”
Chief Justice Patel said: “Reply is not on record. Where is your application for urgent hearing?”
Following that court ordered: “The writ petition was mentioned yesterday and was kept today for fixing an early date of hearing. Counter affidavit has been filed. Affidavit shall be brought on record.
Luthra said: “Issue is distinct… there is urgency.. I was given to understand that the Solicitor General would join me for earliest possible listing.”
Mehta said: “He is right. I would agree for any earliest date.”
The court decided to hear the case tomorrow.
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Luthra said that the third respondent (Delhi government) and the fourth respondent (Shapoorji Pallonji) are crucial.
The court said: “We’ll see it tomorrow.”
Luthra added: “There is a third respondent.. the NCT of Delhi.”
Court: “We are keeping the matter tomorrow.”
The court also said that notices would be issued tomorrow.