NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday slammed "rampant corruption" in the Commonwealth Games and castigated the government for the collapse of the foot overbridge "like a pack of cards" near Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. "In this country, payments are made without work being done. Newly-constructed bridge collapsed like a pack of cards. Rs 70,000 crores are involved (in the games). There is rampant corruption in the country. We cannot shut our eyes," a Bench comprising Justices G S Singhvi andA K Ganguly said.
"Till October 15, Commonwealth is a public purpose-thereafter, everything will become private purpose," said the Bench expressing anguish over the collapse of the pedestrian bridge near the Nehru Stadium, main venue of the Games, earlier this month, just days after it was completed.
The Bench made the remarks during the hearing of a matter in which it was alleged that NDMC constructed a high-rise building near the protected monument Jantar Mantar.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has alleged the building of NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Corporation) was built by ignoring law which prohibits such construction within 100 meters of the monument.
During the hearing, it was also pointed out that other buildings have also been allowed to come near the vicinity of Jantar Mantar.
"How mindless and lawless are you? No regard for history, no regard for constitution. There is a totally unethical government with no moral values. Money is the only thing that matters. Why don't you convert Jantar Mantar into a hotel or a mall and India will shine?" said the Bench.
The Bench was hearing the petition filed by the ASI in 2006.