New Delhi, April 3 -- A controversial proposal to construct a massive new ballroom at the White House has received final planning approval from a key federal agency, even as a federal court ruling threatens to halt construction unless Congress grants authorization. The development underscores a growing legal and political battle over what could become the most significant structural change to the historic residence in decades.

On Thursday (April 2), the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) voted to approve the ballroom project, moving forward despite a recent judicial intervention.

US District Judge Richard Leon had ruled earlier in the week that construction must stop unless Congress approves the project.

However, the commissio...