In a recent development, the Supreme Court on October 3, 2023, turned down a plea that sought the construction of a wall at the Ram Setu site located ‘in the sea’ spanning a few meters or kilometers. This proposed wall was intended to facilitate ‘Darshan’ or viewing for the public. The plea was presented as a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India by the Hindu Personal Law Board, represented by Lucknow-based advocate Ashok Pandey.
The public interest litigation (PIL) was presented before a bench comprising Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia. The apex court subsequently dismissed the plea. The petitioner, Hindu Personal Law Board, through its president Ashok Pandey, fervently advocated for the declaration of Sri Ram Setu, also referred to as Nalahin Setu or Setu Bandh, as a national monument. This declaration was sought within the framework of the Ancient Monuments, Archaeological Sites, and Remains Act 1958.
For those unfamiliar, the ‘Ram Sethu’, colloquially known as Adam’s bridge, is a series of limestone shoals that stretch between Pamban Island, located off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, and Mannar Island, situated off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka.
The plea elucidated,
“In case this Setu is made accessible, it will pave the way for individuals from around the globe to journey to Dhanuskoti (Rameshwaram) for the Darshan of this bridge, believed to be constructed under the directives of Lord Ram. If realized, the common populace will have the privilege to traverse this bridge for a few meters. This will satiate the aspirations of countless individuals, akin to the petitioner, to walk, rest, and even sleep on this legendary bridge, which, as per lore, was the path Lord Ram and his army took to Lanka to vanquish Ravan and to institute Ram Raj in Lanka.”
The plea also highlighted a statement by Sri Nitin Gadkari, the minister overseeing the relevant department. He had previously declared in Parliament that the integrity of Sri Ram Setu would be preserved. He assured that the Setu Samudram Shipping Canal Project (SSSCP) would reach completion without causing any harm to the historic bridge.
In summary, while the Supreme Court has declined the plea for wall construction at the Ram Setu, it has recognized its significance, further solidifying its status as a national monument.
