Animesh's anger on Judiciary of India
Chapter: 24; Animesh's anger of Judiciary of India.
The Supreme Court announcement was a thunderclap that smashed the optimism that was shrouding Animesh's ambitious project of Greenfield city. There was a general expectant hope about the verdict; after weeks of intense debate, legal wrangling, and public protests, Animesh and his cabinet thought that the project, which was going to change India's future, would be judicially cleared. But the verdict served up a mixed result. Out of the proposed twenty Greenfield cities, the Supreme Court had approved only seven, citing concerns over environmental impact, land acquisition disputes, and insufficient consultations with the local community.
The remaining thirteen cities are put in limbo and are indefinitely suspended till further review is done. It was bitter for Animesh to digest.
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15-December-1996
Animesh was already in his office when Mahesh came walking in with the court's detailed order. The Prime Minister's brow furrowed as he took from Mahesh the thick dossier.
"The ruling is in, sir," Mahesh said, voice measured but heavy with concern.
Animesh began to flip through the document, his eyes scanning every detail listed meticulously point by point. The court had approved cities like Himalayan Eco City, Punjab Prosperity City, Vindhya Valley City, and Deccan Smart Capital, citing that their plans for development were environmentally safe and aligned with the hopes and aspirations of the region. However, ambitious projects such as Thar Desert Oasis and Seven Sisters Unity City were halted on grounds ranging from the displacement of tribals to potential ecological imbalances.
Animesh's jaw clenched tight as he slammed the file shut on the desk. "Seven out of twenty," he said, his voice barely above a growl but filled with seething anger. "This is not merely a setback. It's a slap in the face to every citizen who dreams of a better India.
Mahesh chose his words carefully. "The judiciary has raised valid concerns, Prime Minister. They're demanding greater transparency in the planning process and more community engagement."
"And in the meantime, we're supposed to let this country stagnate?" Animesh shot back, his frustration spilling over. "Do they not see the urgency? Every delay costs us jobs, opportunities, and hope!"
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In the evening.
That evening, Animesh called an emergency cabinet. The room was charged with disappointment and uncertainty. Ministers were exchanging uneasy glances, fearful of the PM's mood.
Animesh didn't waste time. "We put months of effort into this project. Months! We consulted experts, addressed regional disparities, and planned cities that would form the backbone of a modern India. And now, we are being told to wait?
The Finance Minister, Sharma, who, as usual, came forth with a word of reason: "Prime minister, it's not a total rejection, you see. Seven cities have gone through. That's a victory for us. And from this victory, we can build on.
"What about the rest of the thirteen?" Animesh's eyes were sharp. "Will the people waiting for jobs, homes, and opportunities find solace in seven cities? This piecemeal deal destroys the whole idea of the project."
Urban Development Minister Kapoor leaned forward. "We can revise the proposals in case of the cities delayed in schedule. The court's sentiment should be met with that. Re-formulate and put it to the court for reconsideration.
"That will take years," said Animesh, his voice cold. "And in those years, how many more farmers will give up on their lands? How many young people will leave their villages, chasing dreams that we failed to bring closer to them?"
The room was silent. Everyone knew Animesh's passion for development, but today, that passion burned dangerously close to despair.
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Protests on the Streets
Outside the corridors of power, the protests continued. Environmental activists responded to the court verdict as a triumph for the environment and vulnerable communities; supporters of the project saw it as an act of delay and thus sabotage of progress. Media houses promptly hammered in their own headlines on television debates, with volleys such as "Development vs. Displacement: Has India's Green Dream Stalled?"
In cities such as Punjab Prosperity City and Vindhya Valley City, people welcomed the approvals with open arms, envisioning potential economic growth. In places like Rajasthan, where Thar Desert Oasis was put on the backburner, people were furious. Farmers and laborers who had invested all their hopes into the project felt betrayed and began protesting in town squares.
The dichotomy was maddening for Animesh. His vision had always been to unite- opportunities opening divisions of geography, class, and culture. Now, it seemed as though his dream was fracturing under the weight of competing interests.
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16-December-1996
Determined not to let the delay fester, Animesh decided to take his case straight to the Supreme Court. His lawyers forbade it, saying he was on the verge of overstepping the limits of executive power. But Animesh was not having any of that.
"I am not challenging the judiciary," he said to his advisors. "I am asking them to see the bigger picture."
The courtroom was full to capacity as Animesh entered, escorted by Mahesh and a whole stream of legal experts. The Chief Justice, with decades of judicial experience under his belt, still had a stoic presence in the bench.
Coming before the bench, it was his turn now to speak. Animesh stood up.
"Honorable Justices," he began, his tone measured but firm, "I stand here not as the Prime Minister but as a servant of the people. The Greenfield city project is not just a policy; it's a lifeline for millions of Indians who dream of a better future."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"I understand the concerns raised by this court. I understand the need to protect our environment, to ensure that development does not come at the cost of displacement or ecological destruction. But I ask you—can we afford to delay progress indefinitely? Can we tell the young graduate in Assam or the farmer in Rajasthan to wait another decade for the opportunities they deserve today?"
The courtroom fell silent, awaiting his next words.
"That's all we want to say. We have addressed these concerns in our plans. We have incorporated sustainable practices and ensured fair compensation for land acquisition. And most importantly, there has been community engagement. This project is not about building cities; it's about building a future—a future where every Indian has a chance to thrive."
The Chief Justice raised his hand. "Prime Minister, while your intentions are noble, this court must ensure that development takes place in tandem with justice. The concerns raised here are far from frivolous."
"Well, the stakes are hardly low," Animesh returned. "With all due respect, Justice, the world is moving ahead. If we step back, we could end up falling behind.
Despite his impassioned plea, the court maintained its decision to delay the thirteen cities. Animesh left the courtroom feeling a mix of frustration and determination. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but he also knew he couldn't give up.
And in the following days, Animesh did not relent. He asked his team to review all the pending proposals forthwith and work on each issue raised by the court. He also launched a nationwide campaign to generate mass support for the approved cities, interpreting their benefit to the nation, and pleading with the others.
"We may have been slowed down," he told his cabinet, "but we will not be stopped. This is just the beginning."
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Here's a list of the proposed twenty Greenfield cities in India, each strategically located across different states to promote balanced regional development:
1. Himalayan Eco City - Himachal Pradesh
A sustainable city nestled in the Himalayan foothills, designed to promote eco-tourism and clean energy.
2. Doab Urban Haven - Uttar Pradesh
Located in the fertile Ganga-Yamuna Doab region, focusing on agriculture-driven industries and modern urban living.
3. Punjab Prosperity City - Punjab
A hub for agro-based industries, renewable energy, and modern residential facilities.
4. Aravali Green City - Rajasthan
Situated near the Aravali range, balancing urbanization with heritage and desert ecology.
5. Shivalik Smart City - Uttarakhand
An education and research-focused city in the Shivalik hills.
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Western Region
6. Gujarat Trade Metropolis - Gujarat
A commerce and technology-focused city near major industrial corridors.
7. Maratha Renaissance City - Maharashtra
Near Nagpur, serving as a logistics and manufacturing hub for central India.
8. Thar Desert Oasis - Rajasthan
A technologically advanced city designed to sustainably utilize the Thar Desert region's potential.
9. Konkan Coastal Smart City - Maharashtra
Promoting coastal trade, tourism, and sustainable fisheries.
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Central Region
10. Vindhya Valley City - Madhya Pradesh
A cultural and industrial hub in the Vindhya ranges with a focus on tribal arts and crafts.
11. Chhattisgarh Energy Hub - Chhattisgarh
A city built around renewable energy production and heavy industries.
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Eastern Region
12. Kalinga Tech City - Odisha
A technology-driven city promoting IT, clean energy, and education.
13. Bengal Renaissance City - West Bengal
Near Kolkata, focusing on creative industries and tech entrepreneurship.
14. Seven Sisters Unity City - Assam
An inclusive urban center to unify and promote development across the northeastern states.
15. Bihar (Jharkhand ) Industrial Nexus - Jharkhand
A mining and heavy industries hub with sustainable practices.
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Southern Region
16. Dravidian Heritage City - Tamil Nadu
Blending modern infrastructure with South Indian heritage near Madurai.
17. Deccan Smart Capital - Telangana
Positioned as a tech and finance hub, complementing Hyderabad.
18. Malabar Innovation City - Kerala
Focusing on wellness, sustainable tourism, and IT industries.
19. Coorg Green Valley City - Karnataka
A picturesque urban area focused on eco-tourism, agriculture, and coffee exports.
20. Andhra Sunrise City - Andhra Pradesh
A coastal city near Vizag, emphasizing port trade and technologies.
These cities are strategically chosen to address regional imbalances, create economic corridors, and leverage natural and cultural resources unique to each region. They aim to integrate modern urban planning with environmental sustainability and regional aspirations.