New Delhi, Oct 21 Delhi High Court Wednesday pulled up the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for constructing an indoor basketball stadium in a park in central Delhi for the 2010 Commonwealth Games without proper sanction.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ajit Prakash Shah and Justice S. Muralidhar expressed displeasure over the callous attitude of MCD in constructing the stadium and said: "It is a shocking state of affairs. You (the MCD) have started construction even before the lt governor has given you permission and this is clear from your own file."

"You are answerable to the public at large. How can you use an ornamental park (Ajmal Khan park) for constructing a stadium when the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has clearly stated that no construction is permissible," said the bench.

The court acted on a public interest petition filed by voluntary organisation Paryavaran Evam Jan Utthan, which challenged the construction on the ground that it was not environment-friendly.

The NGO alleged that a 100-tonne AC plant would be installed at the stadium, which is very hazardous for the environment.

"How is the MCD different from any other private builder who keeps on constructing without prior sanction. It is really shocking, the manner in which the MCD is playing with the environment," said the bench asking the lt governor to review the order giving permission for the stadium and slated the matter for Oct 28.

The proposed stadium, being constructed by the MCD at a cost of Rs. 60 million, would be a world-class facility with 3,000-seating capacity. It would have 10 rooms for players and an ultra- modern gym. (IANS)