New Delhi(IANS) : Emboldened by the apex court’s remarks against “judicial activism”, a government law officer Thursday told the Delhi High Court not to interfere with the policy matter of the government.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Amarender Kumar Sharan pointed out the technical viability of building an elevated corridor for the Metro rail in south Delhi and told the bench: “This is a policy decision and the court should not intervene into it.”
A bench comprising Justices T.S. Thakur and Veena Birbal sought an explanation from the central government for building an elevated Metro corridor instead of tunnelling it underground.
“Ideally it should be underground, so that it does not (intrude) the privacy of people. What is the actual reason for it? Is it because of time constraint or financial crunch?” the bench asked.
“We can understand if the project was passing through an undeveloped area. But we are dealing with a case where the elevated corridor will pass through well-established colonies,” it said.
In reply, the ASG explained the benefits of this project. “Delhi Metro is going ahead with this project for the welfare of the people and not for its own personal interest,” he said.
However, he assured the bench that the objections raised by south Delhi residents will be taken care of.
The bench was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), filed by residents of the south Delhi colonies that fall on the route of the Metro’s proposed elevated corridor.
The petitioners have sought the court’s direction to stop the construction on the ground that it would create noise pollution and interfere in their private lives.
The elevated corridor of 4.5 kilometres is being constructed between the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Kalkaji colony and would pass through Jangpura, Kailash Colony, Defence Colony, Lajpat Nagar and Greater Kailash.