Denotification of Highways in the City: Centre asks clarification
- HC asks clarification about MG Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road bar, restaurants.
- State appeal considered only after legal opinion regarding 76.63 km denotification on NH 4.
- The State Government has submitted request for small segments of road from 0.5 km to 2 or 3 km.
- Such denotification will pose problems in future with regard to maintenance and urban development projects
FollowThe Central Government has called for certain clarifications with regard to State’s appeal about denotifying NH 4 and 7 within City limits. The advocates arguing for the Centre informed the High Court with regard to the writ petitions filed by the bars and restaurants on MG Road, Residency Road and Brigade Road in the City questioning the State Government’s decision not to renew their licenses quoting that NH 4 and 7 are not denotified yet, reported Kannada Prabha.
The State Government had written to the Central Government on June 15 requesting to denotify the NH 4 and 7 within the City limits. The High Court had asked the Central Government on July 17, what action it had taken in this regard.
Subsequently when the application came up for hearing on Thursday, Additional Solicitor General Prabhulinga Navadagi said that the Central Law and Judicial Ministry has been asked to provide legal opinion regarding the letter written by the State on June 15. After obtaining the legal opinion State’s appeal would be considered. Meanwhile, a letter has been written to Chief Secretary, PWD on July 25 seeking certain clarifications. The State’s response is also awaited, he said.
Responding to this, Additional Advocate General Ponnanna said the State Government will submit reply and information at the earliest. Considering this, the single judge bench comprising justice Vineeth Kotari posted the hearing to August 3.
The State Government in its letter has sought denotification of by-pass, ring roads and specific segments of the roads. For that details regarding the grants, drawings of the bypass/ring roads need to be submitted.
The State Government has submitted request for small segments of road from 0.5 km to 2 or 3 km. Such bifurcation of highways for denotification is difficult. In case such denotifications are granted, they will pose problems in future with regard to maintenance and urban development projects. Hence the local authorities and the State Government must submit a clear picture of future plans proposed for development of such roads, the Centre suggested.
