Kumbh funds: HC refuses 3 months time to Centre

The Bombay High Court has refused to grant three months time to the Union Government to decide on the fund allocation for the Kumbh Mela slated to be held in Nashik in 2015.

‘Why is so much time needed to decide the fund allocation?’ asked a bench headed by Justice Abjay 

Oka two days ago while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

What happens if you decide not to give funds after pondering over three months? asked the bench.

The bench also directed the Maharashtra government and the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) to disclose their estimates for the proposed expenditure on Kumbh Mela, while adjourning the PIL to next week.

In another development, the court asked NMC to justify felling of 2,400 trees for road widening ahead of the Kumbh Mela. The civic body had filed an application seeking permission to fell the trees.

‘Why are you cutting 100 year old trees for a religious function?’ the judges questioned.