SC wants state to explain war memorial

SC wants state to explain war memorial

Rakesh Bhatnagar. New Delhi

The Supreme Court on Monday gave Bangaloreans, who are opposing the construction of the National Military Memorial (NMM) at the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain Park, a reason to cheer.
The apex court issued notice to the Karnataka government on a petition challenging the setting up of the NMM at the park. The state government has to file its reply within a month.
A bench of Justices RM Lodha and AK Patnaik refused to order status quo but pointed out: "No doubt you (the state government) are doing a great job, but it has to be in conformity with the statutory requirements."
Appealing against the high court's approval to the project last Friday, Krishna Apartment Owners' Welfare Association, the petitioners, said the BJP-ruled state government lacked powers under the Karnataka Government Parks (Preservation) Act, 1975, to permit any building, construction or change in use of land in government parks.