Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on the Shimla Development Plan Case
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India concluded hearings on the Special Leave Petition filed by the Himachal Pradesh Government against the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) 2017 judgment. The hearing, which took place on December 12, saw extensive arguments from both parties, and the court has now reserved its verdict.
The Himachal Pradesh Government, along with the Town and Country Planning, Ministry of Urban Development, and Municipal Corporation Shimla, approached the Supreme Court in 2018 to challenge the NGT’s November 2017 ruling. The NGT had imposed a ban on construction activities in the Shimla Planning area and Shimla Municipal Corporation, additionally quashing the state’s draft plan for the Shimla planning area presented in 2022.
The division bench, comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Arvind Kumar, issued a concise two-page order on December 12, marking the conclusion of the hearings.
During the hearing both parties’ legal counsels presented extensive arguments during the hearings, prompting the court to reserve its judgment. The Supreme Court has further directed the involved parties to submit any written submissions they may have in the matter by December 15, 2023. Notably, the apex court is set to go on a Christmas and New Year break, indicating that the verdict in this matter is likely to be announced after January 1, 2024.
This legal battle holds significant implications for the State of Himachal Pradesh, particularly concerning construction activities and the formulation of planning policies in the Shimla region. As stakeholders await the court’s decision, the outcome is poised to shape the future trajectory of urban development and environmental considerations in the state. Further reports are awaited on the matter.
