It's not our job to declare Ram Setu a monument: SC

New Delhi, Jan 28: The Supreme Court today asked former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to approach the competent authorities for declaring the Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, 'a monument of national heritage'.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justices Tarun Chatterjee and R V Raveendran told the AIADMK supremo's counsel that it was not the job of this court to decide whether a particular monument is a national heritage or not and the petitioner should approach competent authorities for the purpose. The apex court, however, directed that the petition to be tagged with the main matter.

Ms Jayalalithaa, in her petition, prayed to the court to direct the Sethusamudram Corporation to take alternative routes for completing the project without demolishing the Ram Setu.

The apex court had already directed the authorities not to damage the Setu in any manner while continuing with the dredging activity.

The 35-km long Adam's Bridge is believed to have been constructed by Lord Rama with the help of his Vanar Sena to reach Sri Lanka.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and Union Minister T R Balu are already facing contempt of court charges for not implementing the apex court's order not to enforce state-wide bandh on October 1 last year for speedy completion of the Sethusamudram Project.

UNI