The Supreme Court Today (Aug 29) asked the Centre to reply on Subramanian Swamy’s plea to declare ‘Ram Setu’ a national monument. The court issued notice and will hear the matter soon.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India on Friday issued a notice to the Central Government after hearing a petition filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy.
In his plea, Swamy requested the government to “expeditiously” take a decision on his representation to declare ‘Ram Setu’ as a national monument.
‘Ram Setu’, which is also popularly known as Adam’s Bridge, is a natural chain of limestone shoals that lies between Pamban Island, situated off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, and Mannar Island, located off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka.
The structure carries immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus, as it is believed to be the bridge mentioned in the Ramayana, built by Lord Ram’s army to reach Lanka.
The bench, consisting of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, considered the petition and agreed to hear Swamy’s plea in detail.
Counsel informed Court that Dr. Swamy, who appears in person in the matter, could not be present today as he recently underwent a triple bypass surgery.
The court also issued a formal notice to the Centre for its response in this matter.
It posted the matter for hearing after four weeks.
| Law / Act | Relevant Section | Explanation in Simple Words | Connection to Ram Setu Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act) | Section 4 | Gives the Central Government power to declare any ancient monument of national importance. | Swamy’s plea asks the Centre to declare ‘Ram Setu’ as a national monument under this section. |
| AMASR Act, 1958 | Section 19 & 20A | Protects declared monuments and regulates construction, mining, or other activities near them. | If ‘Ram Setu’ is declared a monument, these provisions will ensure protection and prevent damage. |
| Environment Protection Act, 1986 | Section 3 & 5 | Gives the Centre power to take measures to protect the environment and issue directions. | Earlier cases on Ram Setu (related to Sethusamudram Project) invoked this Act for environmental concerns. |
| Constitution of India – Article 49 | — | State has duty to protect monuments of national importance. | Supports the argument that the government must protect Ram Setu if it is declared a monument. |
| Constitution of India – Article 51A(f) | — | Fundamental Duty: every citizen must value and preserve rich heritage of our composite culture. | Ram Setu is considered cultural and religious heritage, so this Article is often cited in such cases. |
| Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC) | Section 295 & 295A | Relates to destruction or insult to places/objects of religious importance. | Though not directly applied, Ram Setu being a religiously significant site gives Swamy moral-legal backing under these sections. |
CASE TITLE:
DR. SUBRAMANIAN SWAMY V UNION OF INDIA AND ORS.
W.P.(C) No. 584/2025
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