HC directs Nagpur civic body to decide on delayed mall project soon

A public interest litigation filed by Paramjeet Singh Kalsi over delays in a shopping mall project in the Danganj, Harihar Mandir, Old Bhandara Road area of Nagpur district has led the High Court to issue clear directions to the municipal corporation.

A bench of Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Rajnish Vyas heard the matter. Advocate Kartik Kamwani appeared for the petitioner. During the hearing, the court noted that the municipal corporation had not taken any decision on the complaints raised by the petitioner. Treating the matter seriously, the court decided to treat the petition itself as an application and directed the corporation to take a prompt decision on it as per law.

According to the petition, the corporation had allotted land bearing survey number 105 in Mouza Nagpur for construction of a shopping mall in the Danganj, Harihar Mandir, Old Bhandara Road area on a Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis. The petitioner alleged that work on the project is progressing at a very slow pace, and that the corporation keeps extending the construction deadline repeatedly without regard to the loss of revenue.

The court has directed the corporation to give its decision to the petitioner in writing, and to communicate this information within a week of the decision being made. This has put pressure on the corporation to act quickly.

Another matter came up during the hearing. Several blanks had been left in the prayer section of Kalsi's petition. Taking note of this lapse, the petitioner himself agreed to deposit a cost of Rs 1,000 with the High Court Legal Services Committee. This amount also has to be deposited within a week.

The matter now rests with the corporation following the court's order, and it remains to be seen how soon it announces its decision and informs the petitioner.