The Hindu : New Delhi News : Director-General of ASI summoned by High Court

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, May 10, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

Director-General of ASI summoned by High Court

Staff Reporter

Fails to file reply to a notice

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday summoned in person the Director-General (DG) of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the latter's failure to file a reply to a notice by the Court on a public interest litigation seeking declaration of Mughal monument `Jharna' at Mehrauli in South Delhi a protected monument.

Taking note of the failure of the ASI to file a reply to the notice regarding the monument, a Division Bench comprising Justice Vijender Jain and Justice S.N. Aggarwal directed the DG to appear in the Court on or before May 31 and explain the non-compliance of the notice.

The petitioner, Culture & Heritage, a non-government organisation run by Usha Kumar, a Delhi High Court lawyer, urged the Court to declare the monument a protected monument so that its past glory could be restored.

Ms. Kumar submitted that `Jharna' was a beautiful monument but due to the neglect, its roof had caved in partially while its surrounding area had been encroached upon.

At the last hearing, the Court had directed the ASI, the Centre and others to file replies to the petition.

Ms. Kumar on Tuesday informed the Bench that the notice was served on the ASI, yet it failed to apprise the Court of its stand on the petitioner's plea.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail