Delhi HC Declines Plea For Cantonment FoB, Asks Authorities To Assess Requirement

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a petition seeking the construction of a foot-over bridge (FOB) at the Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre in Delhi Cantonment.

The plea was intended to benefit both Indian Army personnel and the general public.

A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela dismissed the petition but directed the relevant authorities to evaluate the need for such a bridge. The court remarked, “We are not convinced that any specific directions should be issued to the authorities.”

The petition was filed by the NGO Centre for Youth Culture Law & Environment, represented by Advocates Paras Tyagi and Aditya Tanwar. The plea alleged that the authorities had been delaying the project, which was deemed essential based on expert assessments.

According to the petition, Army protocols and the respondents’ ownership of the land prevented Indian Army personnel from initiating the bridge’s construction independently. It argued that the responsible statutory bodies had ignored the issue since 2010, displaying disregard for the rule of law and contempt for court directives.

The petitioners claimed the delay stemmed from administrative and political motives, resulting in undue hardship for soldiers, their families, and the public. They urged the court to ensure timely action, emphasizing the adverse impact of the inordinate delay on public convenience and morale.

“Had the respondents acted promptly, the FOB could have been constructed by now,” the plea stated, highlighting the “inhumane conditions” faced by those affected. The petition also called for a policy framework to address public welfare projects in military zones, stressing their significance for both Army personnel and civilians residing in areas like Delhi Cantonment.

The NGO argued that swift delivery of basic infrastructure is critical, particularly in regions where soldiers and civilians coexist. It urged the court to hold authorities accountable for delays in implementing projects crucial to public safety and well-being.

While disposing of the petition, the court directed the authorities to examine the necessity of the FOB and take appropriate steps to address the matter efficiently.

This case highlights the challenges in balancing administrative protocols and public welfare, particularly in areas of strategic importance like Delhi Cantonment.

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