SC fixes April 29 for final disposal of petitions on Ram Setu

New Delhi, Apr 15 (UNI) The Supreme Court today fixed April 29 for final disposal of the petitions seeking directives from the apex court that Ram Setu also known as Adam's Bridge is a national heritage monument.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Justice R V Raveendran fixed the date for final disposal after hearing the parties.

The apex court at one stage told the petitioner "don't say that people perform puja at Ram Setu as it is in the middle of the sea." Former Union Minister Dr Subramanian Swamy appearing in person countered the judges by saying that a large number of people perform puja there.

The judges said "we dont have faith that people perform puja there." Dr Swamy and counsel for other petitioner however countered the court by saying" it is not the matter of your (judges) faith. It is the matter of faith of crores of people who consider Ram Setu to be sacred." The Centre, state of Tamil Nadu and Sethusamundram Corporation are seeking vacation of interim stay granted by the apex court on August 31 last year directing the authority not to damage and demolish Ram Setu while carrying out dredging activities.

The petitioner also alleged that the environmental aspect has also not been taken into account by the authorities.

UNI SC SV DB1303