The Delhi High Court had on April 20 cleared the way for the demolition of the Hall of Nations in Pragati Maidan as it held that the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) had taken a decision, in February this year, not to consider buildings less than 60 years in age as heritage structures and that this decision was not challenged before it.
The court held that while the petition sought a direction to the Centre to declare the Hall of Nations, Nehru Pavilion and the Hall of Industries as works of art, it did not challenge the decision of the HCC against considering buildings under 60 years as heritage.
‘Not challenged’
Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva had dismissed the petition of architect Raj Rewal against the demolition of the Hall of Nations complex stating: “It may be noted that now the HCC has taken a conscious decision that only buildings older than 60 years will qualify to be considered as heritage.”
“The buildings of present petition, are not older than 60 years and thus do not qualify to be considered as heritage structures. Since the decision of the HCC is not challenged, the view taken by the HCC will have to be accepted”.
“Courts should show deference to recommendations of expert committee, particularly when no malafide is alleged against the panel,” added the Judge.
An appeal against the HC order was to come up on Thursday.
