Irked SC threatens to stay Delhi's Master Plan

The Supreme Court on Monday warned that it would to stay the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD) 2021, if the Government agencies fail to clarify how they intend to provide the necessary infrastructure for meeting the requirements of the ambitious plan.

The apex court also sought an explanation from the MCD within 24 hours as to why it had slowed down the ceiling drive in the capital.

Rejecting the plea of the Solicitor General GE Vahanvati that there was some misunderstanding on the issue, a three-member bench of Justices Arijit Pasayat, CK Thakker and LS Penta, felt that the agencies were deliberately dragging their feet on the matter.

"There is no misunderstanding. It's a total and deliberate attempt on the part of these agencies. If this is the way things are going we will stay the Master Plan," the bench observed.

The bench gave vent to its ire after the amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar complained that barring two Government entities, others have not filed their replies as to how they planned to provide infrastructure facilities to meet the situation arising out of the MPD-2021.

The apex court also clarified that its earlier order restraining the construction of third floor in the capital would apply only to those structures which are sought to be constructed under the MPD-2021.

According to the apex court such restrictions would not apply to constructions approved under the 1990 Master Plan and its amended version of 1998, and which had been granted approval before May 7, 2007.