Centre files fresh affidavit over Ram Sethu in SC

New Delhi, Feb 29 (UNI) The Centre today filed a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court contending that there is no scientific method available to ascertain whether Ram Setu was manmade or a natural formation.

Earlier, the Centre had come under heavy fire from all quarters for questioning the very existence of characters and events described in Ramayana saying, it was a mere work of fiction and there was no scientific evidence to prove that Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, was a manmade structure.

The Union government had to withdraw its controversial affidavit.

In its fresh affidavit the Centre, keeping an eye on general elections, has ensured that neither the majority community nor the UPA alllies like DMK feel offended.

The Centre has, however, also stated that the faith and belief of millions of Hindus across the globe was at stake as Hindus believe that Ram Setu was constructed by Lord Rama with the help of his vanar Sena to invade Sri Lanka to free his wife Sita from the captivity of Demon King Ravana.

The M Karunanidhi government in Tamil Nadu has also been pressing hard for speedy completion of the Sethusamudram Project by demolishing Ram Setu.

The apex court has, however, directed the authorities not to damage Ram Setu in any manner while carrying out the dredging activity.

The Centre has prayed to the Court to declare whether Ram Sethu is manmade or a natural formation.

It has also prayed that the Court vacate the stay on the demolition of Ram Setu.

The Supreme Court is hearing a batch of petitions seeking declaration from the court that Ram Setu is a monument of national heritage and cannot be touched.

The Supreme Court will hear the petition on March 5. Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T R Baalu and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi are already facing contempt proceedings in the apex court for enforcing statewide bandh on October 1 last year in defiance of the Court's order.

UNI AKS/SC AKJ AS1604