New Delhi, March 23: The Supreme Court has reprimanded the West Bengal government regarding delays in the construction of the Kolkata Metro. The court highlighted that the delays reflect the obstinacy of officials who seem intent on hindering the metro rail project in Kolkata. Chief Justice of India (CJI) emphasized that political issues should not overshadow developmental matters.
The Supreme Court affirmed that there was no flaw in the orders issued by the High Court. It expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi questioned the state government, asking if festivals were more important than development. He remarked that the government is bound by its duties and cannot prioritize festivities over essential infrastructure, such as a crucial road for transportation. The court expects a democratically elected government to not dismiss significant projects.
The court stated that if the Election Commission has no issues conducting elections, then this project, initiated before the code of conduct, should not be stalled under any pretext.
A bench led by CJI Justice Surya Kant rejected the government’s appeal against the Calcutta High Court’s order to block traffic due to the delays in the Kolkata Metro.
During the hearing, the West Bengal government requested an extension until May, citing ongoing elections as the reason for the delays. They argued that ambulances and organ transplant vehicles use the same route.
CJI pointed out that the High Court had been lenient. He noted that this situation warranted action against the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police for their negligence. He criticized the attempt to politicize an issue that should not have been politicized in the first place.
Meanwhile, the lawyer for Kolkata Metro sought permission to withdraw the petition. Justice Bagchi responded, stating, “You were given that opportunity, but you did not take advantage of it. We will not allow you to withdraw the petition.”
The petition was filed due to the indefinite delays in completing a crucial section of the Kolkata Metro’s Orange Line, attributed to the West Bengal government’s failure to provide necessary approvals.
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