The Hindu : National : Only temporary structures at memorial: Supreme Court

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 09, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

National

National

Only temporary structures at memorial: Supreme Court

J. Venkatesan

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to erect temporary structures at the existing memorial in Lucknow for celebrating Ambedkar jayanthi on April 14.

A Bench consisting of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justice R.V. Raveendran gave permission on a special leave petition filed by the government against an interim order passed by the Allahabad High Court on a public interest litigation petition.

After hearing senior counsel Harish Salve for the State and D.K. Garg for the respondent (petitioner in the High Court), the Bench said the State could carry out temporary works including repairs and renovation. But no permanent structure should be put up till April 21, when the matter is taken up for further hearing.After changing land use of the 35-acre area of the Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Park, the government started construction of the Kanshi Ram Research Institute there.

The High Court, in its April 4 interim order, said the State should maintain status quo and should not raise any construction at any place notified as a green belt.

The State, in its SLP, said the High Court order had the effect of nullifying the amendment incorporated in the Lucknow Master Plan in accordance with the law. It planned to complete the renovation and modifications in the memorial so that public functions could be organised with fervour. Lakhs of people from all over the country were expected to participate in the Ambedkar jayanthi celebrations and the High Court order had a cascading effect on the ongoing preparations.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National