the SC refused to entertain a plea against deferment of hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking direction to halt construction under the redevelopment of the Central Vista Avenue during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

However, for urgent listing of the matter, the top court gave liberty to petitioners to approach the Delhi High Court. According to a PTI report, the apex court was hearing the appeal against the high court’s May 4 order which had listed the hearing of PIL on May 17 saying it first wants to go through what the top court has deliberated in its January 5 judgment, giving a go ahead to the redevelopment project. Yesterday, senior advocate Siddharth Luthra was asked by the apex court to mention the matter before the HC for urgent listing on May 10.

The senior advocate told the SC bench that the matter is of extreme importance as India is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. Luthra said that labours from Sarai Kale Khan and Karol Bagh area are being transported to Raj Path and Central Vista, where construction is going on. This increases the chances of spread of novel coronavirus infection among them.

News Source : Business Standard