Plea made by India Institute of Architects

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition challenging the in-principle approval granted by the Centre for engaging services of foreign architects for redevelopment of Pragati Maidan complex into an Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre.

n-principle approval

A Bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal dismissed a PIL filed by the India Institute of Architects, registered in 1917 as a voluntary organisation of architects to encourage the study of architecture, elevate the standards of architectural practice and to promote the interests of architects throughout India.

The organisation had challenged the in-principle approval that was granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) for taking the services of foreign architects for Pragati Maidan redevelopment.

The petition sought the establishment of an institutionalised system and laying down of guidelines and/or processes, on the basis of which the application made by foreign architects can be examined. The court, however, rejected this.

“We do not find any substance in the above contention,” the Bench noted.

The Centre had given nod for hiring foreign architects for redeveloping Pragati Maidan Complex