SC reserves verdict on Delhi's Vasant Kunj Ridge Area malls

New Delhi, Aug 17 (UNI) The Supreme Court today reserved its verdict on a Public Interest Litigation challenging the permission granted by the authorities for construction of five big shopping malls in Delhi's Vasant Kunj Ridge Area.

Counsel for the petitioner Ridge Bachao Andolan Prashant Bhushan contended before the bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat and S H Kapadia that the constructions of the shopping malls in 92.5 hectare of land in the Ridge Area would lead to heavy environmental damage.

Mr Bhusan also pleaded that Bhure Lal Committee as well as the Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC) had earlier denied permission for any construction activity in the area, which is also considered as the lung of the city.

He also contested the claim of the Union Environment Ministry that since substantial construction of the malls has been made, it should be allowed subject to payment of penalty as it is now a defacto situation which cannot be reversed.

Mr Bhusan further contended that it cannot be accepted as defacto situation as the mall owners in collusion with DDA officials have deliberately carried out the constructions without getting clearances from the environment ministry and that they were all along aware of the pendency of the petition.

Senior counsel Arun Jetley appearing for the mall owners, however contended that his clients had obtained all requisite clearances and permission from the authorities concerned before starting the constructions and had already made huge investments of over 100 crore.

He also contented that the land for the shopping malls had been auctioned by the DDA and his clients had not committed any illegality.

It may be noted here the Supreme Court has already stayed construction of the malls till further orders.

UNI AKS/SC PA HT1745