Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Plea to Recognize Ram Setu as National Monument

Speedy Summary

• The Supreme Court of India issued a notice to the Center on a writ petition filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Subramanian Swamy, seeking the declaration of ram Setu as a monument of national importance.
• A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta agreed to hear Dr. Swamy’s plea and set the matter for hearing after four weeks.
• Senior advocate Vibha Dutta Makhija represented Dr. Swamy in court.
• Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals between Rameswaram Island (Tamil Nadu) and Mannar Island (Sri Lanka).
• Previously, in 2007, the Supreme Court had stayed work on the Sethusamudram Ship Channel project due to concerns over potential damage to Ram Setu.
• The Centre later stated it was open to exploring alternative routes for the shipping channel project while considering “socio-economic disadvantages” of harming Ram Setu.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This petition underscores ongoing debates about protecting cultural heritage versus advancing infrastructure projects. While declaring Ram Setu as a monument of national importance could safeguard its past importance and religious sentiment, it may also influence future infrastructure progress in southern Tamil Nadu and nearby regions.The Centre’s previous acknowledgment of socio-economic considerations suggests an openness toward balancing developmental needs wiht cultural preservation.

The SC’s intervention adds judicial weight to this decision-making process,emphasizing transparency in evaluating such representations with regard to longstanding public interest.Given its geographical position linking india and Sri Lanka and its historical association with Hindu mythology, any decision could carry significant domestic and international implications related to conservation policies or bilateral identity narratives.

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