The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the Delhi High Court verdict rejecting a PIL against the Central Vista project.

A Bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari and Aniruddha Bose demanded why the petitioners, who sought a halt on construction of the project citing COVID-19, singled out Central Vista when construction activities for other similar projects were also progressing.

The Bench asked whether the appellants had conducted any research on other similar construction going on in the national capital. “Was honest research conducted about the kinds of construction work that were going on? Is that reflected in your petition?” asked Justice Maheshwari, adding why only one project was singled out by the petitioners.

“As a PIL petitioner, did you research on how many projects were going on and why only one project is picked up,” he asked. The Bench also observed that the project activities were proceeding in compliance with all protocols. “Your concern was the project is non-compliant. But when there is a finding that it is compliant then how is the petition being pursued,”Justice Khanwilkar questioned.

The Court went on to dismiss the appeal, stating that no interference with the Delhi High Court judgment was warranted.

The petitioners had initially approached the Delhi High Court seeking a direction to halt construction activities of Central Vista during COVID-19, saying that it could turn out to be a super spreader. The Delhi High Court had dismissed the plea, imposing Rs. one lakh fine on the petitioners.