SC dismisses petition challenging AP land pooling policy

New Delhi, March 20, 2015: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by a journalist challenging AP Government's land pooling policy aimed at constructing the capital city. The court which heard the arguments of the petitioner-journalist Srimannarayana made it clear that it can not interfere in the Government decision to build capital city. The court did not agree with the contention of the petitioner that environmental issues were not considered before deciding on the construction of the capital city. "The court can not dictate a policy to the government on the issue. When such big cities are constructed, certain things are bound to suffer, " the court said dismissing the petition. Environmental clearances are not necessary at the planning stage, the apex court further remarked.