SC to Centre: Lay foundation stone, but don't start work on new Parliament

In a setback for the Centre, the Supreme Court on Monday directed that while the Narendra Modi government is free to go ahead with the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Central Vista redevelopment project on December 10 but cannot carry out any construction or demolition at the project site till the top court pronounces its judgment in the petitions challenging the project.

Taking suo motu cognizance of government's plan to begin construction activities, a bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna observed: "We have listed this matter because of certain developments we came across in public domain. We never thought you will go ahead so aggressively with the construction. The fact that there is no stay does not mean you can go ahead with everything."
 

"We clarify that the authorities would be free to undertake other formal processes including to continue with the scheduled programme of foundation stone laying on December 10 without altering the site in question in any manner."

'An ode to demoracy and people of India'
 

Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla on Saturday had on Saturday said that India's new Parliament will be a symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat and will be an ode to the country's democracy and its people.
 

He had also informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will perform Bhumi Pujan and lay the foundation of the new building on December 10.
 

The Speaker added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed to the proposal for the New Parliament Building on a request by the two Houses last year.

Features of the new Parliament building
 

* The new Parliament has been designed by Ahmedabad-based M/s HCP Design and Management Private Limited keeping the needs and requirements for the next 100 years in mind.
 

* New Parliament building would be built in an area of 64500 sqm at an estimated cost of Rs 971 crore
 

* The new building will have separate offices for Members of Parliament. Each Member of Parliament would be provided with a 40 sq m office space.

* Seats for members in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers will be made comfortable with blocks of two seats. The seats for members will be equipped with digital interfaces
 

* The new building will have a grand 'Constitution Hall', which will house, among other things, the original copy of the Constitution, digital displays for showcasing India's democratic heritage, etc.
 

* The new building will also have a MP's Lounge, a Library, six Committee rooms, dining areas and parking space.
 

* The new building is to be equipped with all modern Audio Visual communication facilities and Data network systems. Special care is being taken to ensure all environmental safeguards are followed.
 

* The proposed building will have a seating capacity for 888 Members in the Lok Sabha Chamber with an option to increase to 1224 Members during joint sessions. Similarly, the Rajya Sabha Chamber would have a seating capacity for 384 Members.
 

* Adequate safeguards for earthquake safety is being followed keeping in mind zone V regulations, specific to New Delhi and surrounding areas.
 

* The construction of the new Parliament is slated to be completed by 2024. It is proposed to hold the Winter Session of Parliament in the New Parliament Building when the nation celebrates 75 years of Independence.