Centre has to seek public opinion before amending Delhi Master Plan: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to exempt Centre from seeking public opinion on its proposed amendments in Master Plan of Delhi-2021 and directed it to grant 15 days time to city’s residents to file their objections which were to be considered before taking final decision on bringing change in the plan.


While vacating its stay on proposed amendments in master plan and granting green signal to Centre to proceed, a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Navin Sinha had on May 15 directed the government to give 15-days window period to general public to express their opinion and objections against the amendments.

“The Central Government will first invite objections from the people which can be submitted within 15 days of the notification inviting objections. After that period of 15 days is over, the Government will meaningfully consider and address the objections and make necessary modifications, as deemed appropriate. The amendments may then be notified. The final decision of the Government should be taken keeping the interest of the people of Delhi and future generations in mind as well as the statutory requirements,” the court had said.

Days after SC passed the order, Centre on May 18 approached the court seeking modification of the order. Attorney General K K Venugopal contended that DDA had already sought objection from general public on proposed amendments and there was no need to seek opinion afresh.