The NGT’s eastern zone bench has admitted the case concerning the Multilevel Car Parking cum Shopping Hub at West Point. The Coram, comprising Justice B. Amit Sthalekar, Judicial member Dr. Arun Kumar Verma, Expert member, admitted the case on October 18 and has served notices to the respondents, including the Sikkim State government, Gangtok Smart City Development Limited, MESASO infrastructure limited, and nine other respondents.
“The learned Counsel for the Respondents may file their counter-affidavits within four weeks,” observed the NGT.
Speaking with the Sikkim Chronicle, Dr. Bina Basnet, the petitioner, said, “The Honorable Tribunal has issued notices to the opposing parties and directed them to file their written versions within four weeks. The matter is scheduled for further proceedings on the 3rd of January 2024. I firmly believe that justice will prevail for the people of Sikkim.”
Earlier, the Supreme Court of India disposed of a civil appeal filed by Bina Basnet challenging the NGT’s order regarding the Multilevel Car Parking cum Shopping Hub at the old West Point in Gangtok and remanded the issue back to the NGT for a fresh hearing.
In 2022, Dr. Bina Basnet, a social worker and former president of the Hamro Sikkim Party, filed a petition with the NGT, questioning the construction of the Multilevel Car Parking cum Shopping Hub at West Point concerning environmental clearances.
However, the NGT, through an order dated May 10, dismissed the petition, asserting that the construction had not yet reached 5 ½ storeys.
Following the NGT’s Order, petitioner Bina Basnet appealed to the Supreme Court. The apex court, while disposing of the petition, directed the case back to the NGT.
