Appeal filed in Supreme Court against Delhi High Court judgment allowing Central Vista construction

The appeal filed by petitioners Anya Malhotra and Sohail Hashmi, took objection to the imposition of costs of Rs. 1 lakh by the High Court on the ground that the petition was motivated and lacked bona fides.

Such imposition of costs, the petitioners contended, would have a chilling effect on public spirited individuals raising genuine issues of public health and other issues concerning citizens, the petitioners submitted.

“The impugned judgment, especially the imposition of exorbitant costs, has a chilling effect on public spirited individuals raising genuine issues of public health and on the right of citizens to question the actions of the government and to hold it to account, which it is submitted is the bedrock of democracy,” the plea said.