Supreme Court declines hearing on plea to stop part of Central Vista work

New Delhi : The Supreme Court on Friday declined to hear a petition to stop construction work on the Central Vista plan at Rajpath and India Gate in the heart of Delhi.

The Supreme Court mentioned that the matter is currently holding at Delhi High Court and asked the petitioner to request the Chief justice of HC for an early hearing in the matter.

The Centre had objected to the request by petitioner Anya Malhotra.

Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra, appearing for the petitioner, argued that the coronavirus situation in the national capital is likely to peak in May and under such circumstances the construction work at a 3.5 km-stretch around India Gate should be suspended.

But the Centre objected, saying the High Court had adjourned the case to May 17 and had yet to hear it.

Advocate Luthra argued that it is a humanitarian crisis and workers must not be exposed to the infection.

"You (petitioner) can request the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court for an early hearing. You have come here against the adjournment of the case," the Supreme Court said.

"We are of the opinion that since the matter is pending before the High Court that had only adjourned the case, the petitioner should request the Chief Justice of the High Court for an early hearing," Justices Vineet Saran and Dinesh Maheshwari said.

The petition was moved to Supreme Court as the Delhi High Court adjourned hearing in the matter till May 17.

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