In Brief
M.C. Mehta petitioned the Supreme Court challenging the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' abrupt reduction of the public consultation period for amendments to Delhi's Master Plan from 90 days to just 3 days. The government claimed public order concerns justified the curtailment. Despite receiving 741 objections in just 5 days, the government proceeded with limited public hearing. The Court rejected the Attorney General's request to further modify its 15-day notice requirement, finding no credible emergency justification and emphasizing that meaningful public participation is essential for decisions affecting Delhi's future. The Court upheld transparency and public interest as paramount.
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