[Central Vista Project] "Who Is The Owner Of Parliament Building?" Read Courtroom Exchange During SG Tushar Mehta's Arguments

Mehta: Take for example, there is a mine. This also requires environmental clearance (EC). We can do nothing without factories. One cannot exist without the other. But, Parliament can co-exist. It’s a standalone project.

Mehta: If the Petitioner’s concern is environmental protection, then let me demonstrate how we have completely preserved the same. This will be an integrated project.

Mehta: We are also providing interlinking of metro stations which will minimise use of two and four wheelers. The policy decision is that all Central ministries have to be at one place and that place has to be one which has historical significance.

Mehta now refers to how the new building would also have democratic sanctity and historical significance. This would enable efficient management of space/efficient governance and vehicular movement would be minimised.

Mehta: North Block and South Block are spread across 90 acres and it is a complete waste of space. A person from one Ministry has to travel to another. The new building will house everything.

Mehta: People are asking why thousands of crores are being spent. This is not spending money, but this is saving money. There are no earthquake safety norms and the structure is already damaged.

Mehta: Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha are packed. When joint sessions are held, members sit on plastic chairs diminishing the dignity of the House. Now, let’s come to the Central Secretariat; the situation is even more embarrassing.

Mehta: The current Parliament building was built in 1927 prior to independence and was intended to house Legislative Council and not the Bicameral Legislature that we have today. 

Mehta: There is a need for a new building because with increase in representation, the allocation of seats has also increased. 

Mehta submits that periodic changes have been made to the current Parliament building which have led to seepage and destroyed the heritage nature of the building. Further, there are no safety norms.