Swamy Petitions SC To Grant Ram Setu ‘Ancient Monument’ Status

Former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Subramanian Swamy has petitioned the Supreme Court for directives to the federal government to act on his long-standing proposal to declare the Ram Setu a national monument. Swamy claims that the structure, a natural chain of limestone shoals that connects Pamban Island (Rameswaram) in Tamil Nadu to Mannar Island near Sri Lanka, qualifies as an Ancient Monument under Indian law.

In his petition, Swamy said he had submitted a formal representation to the Centre in compliance with the Supreme Court's January 2023 directive. However, he stated that the government has yet to respond or take a decision on the matter.

Swamy urged the apex court to instruct the Centre and the National Monuments Authority (NMA) to confer the status of an Ancient Monument of National Importance upon Ram Setu under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

Highlighting the historical, religious, and archaeological importance of Ram Setu, Swamy emphasized its significance for millions of Indians who consider it a sacred site. He contended that the formation deserves full protection under the law to prevent any form of harm, misuse, or environmental degradation. "This archaeological site is a matter of faith and shradha for people who treat Ram Setu as a pilgrimage," Swamy's plea noted.

He also referenced earlier developments, such as the Centre's 2017 recognition of Ram Setu's existence and a ministerial-level meeting that same year to evaluate its potential heritage designation. Despite these steps, Swamy claimed no concrete progress has been made, even though he has pursued the issue legally for over eight years.

In a prior hearing, the central government informed the Supreme Court that the Ministry of Culture was already working on the proposal to grant heritage status to Ram Setu. Following this, the court had directed Swamy to submit a formal representation to the ministry - which, according to Swamy, remains unresolved to date.

Swamy has maintained that he had already secured a partial victory in earlier rounds of litigation when the government formally acknowledged the existence of Ram Setu.

(With inputs from ANI)