SC orders CBI probe into Taj corridor affair

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the alleged illegality and irregularities in the construction of the controversial Taj Heritage Corridor at Agra by the Uttar Pradesh government.

It asked the agency to submit a report within two months.

The bench, comprising Justice M B Shah and Justice A R Lakshmanan, said, "The powers in UP instead of creating something new, which could be classified as a world heritage monument, are trying to demolish or endanger an existing world heritage monument by their hasty or irregular activities."

The bench took note of the fact that the central government and the environment ministry did not approve the detailed project report.

It was difficult to note who released the huge amount of public money for the construction of the illegal work, it said.

"Considering all the aspects as well as the allegations made by ex-standing council of the Uttar Pradesh government A K Agarwal, it appears that a detailed inquiry is necessary to be carried out by the CBI.