Special Bench overrules objection against its formation

He argued that a larger Bench is required when there is a difference of opinion on the Division Bench.

“The court ruled that it is the prerogative of the Chief Justice to form a Bench and asked the petitioners to cooperate in the proceedings,” said D K Upadhyaya,chief standing counsel. The Bench comprising Justices Pradeep Kant,Uma Nath Singh,Satish Chandra,Rakesh Sharma and Ashok Kumar Roopanwal issued notice to Sahara India Ltd,Hotel Taj Residency and Awas Vikas Nigam on the alleged violations of rules in the constructions carried out in the green belt areas.

The court fixed April 20 as the next date of hearing.

“While the main petition is related to the money spent on memorials like Ambedkar Sthal,Ambedkar Maidan,Kanshiram Smiriti Upvan and Ramabai Park,a few others like violations of rules in green belt,demolition of buildings in Mall Avenue area and a government notification changing the use of government houses reserved for speakers and ministers in Mall Avenue are being challenged through nine petitions clubbed together,” said Manish Kumar,counsel for a petitioner.

The petitions have been transferred from the Supreme Court with a direction that it is to be heard by an appropriate Bench and the matter be decided in four months.