The Supreme Court on Monday reprimanded the West Bengal government for the delay in the Kolkata Metro project. During the hearing, the Supreme Court told the West Bengal government not to politicize everything. This is a matter of development. The court also dismissed the Mamata Banerjee government’s petition. The Supreme Court stated that this only reflects the stubbornness of the authorities, who are trying to delay and stall the metro rail project in Kolkata. The court also stated that there was no flaw in the High Court’s order. “We are confident that the project will be completed within the stipulated timeframe.”
The Supreme Court has strongly reprimanded the West Bengal government for the delay in a key section of the Kolkata Metro line. The court also dismissed the state government’s appeal against the High Court’s traffic block order.
During the hearing today, the West Bengal government said, “Give us time until May. Elections are underway, which is why the delay is occurring.” CJI Surya Kant responded, “Don’t politicize everything; this is a matter of development.”
Justice Joymalya Bagchi said, “Festivals are more important to you than development. It’s not that you’re doing this on your own; you’re bound by your duty.” He added, “You told the High Court that you have to make arrangements for festivals. Festivals are more important than building a vital road for transportation. We don’t expect a democratically elected government to insist that this work be ignored for now.”
The court stated that if the Election Commission has no problem holding elections because this project was before the code of conduct came into effect, then we will not allow the state government to use this excuse to halt development work again.
The Supreme Court clarified that the state’s attitude represents a total neglect of its constitutional duty and a deliberate attempt to stall the project. The court found no flaws in the High Court’s order and stated that the metro project must be completed on time.” CJI Surya Kant said the High Court had been too lenient. “This was a case where action should have been taken against your Chief Secretary and DGP. This shows complete dereliction of duty. This is simply an attempt to politicize an issue where there really is none.”
The court rejected the state’s offer to withdraw the case and dismissed the petition.
The petition was filed regarding the indefinite delay in completing a key section of the Kolkata Metro’s Orange Line. The petition cited the delay as the West Bengal government’s failure to provide the necessary approvals.