- By Kamal Kumar
- Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:53 PM (IST)
- Source:ANI
The Supreme Court of India, on Tuesday, rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition by the Hindu Personal Law Board seeking the construction of a peeking wall at the Ram Setu site for 'darshan', citing that it is an administrative decision. The court while rejecting the PIL asked the petitioner Ashok Pandey, the chairman of the Hindu Personal Law Board, how can the court give orders to construct a wall.
Also Read: Mangaluru News: Miscreants Waved 'Green' Flags At Rani Abbakka's Statue, Police Issue Notices
"How can the court direct to construct a wall? These are administrative matters," asked Justice SK Kaul of the two-judge bench hearing the matter to the petitioner.
The petitioner had sought the construction of a wall in the vicinity of Ram Setu in his PIL which stated that "a 'darshan' (sight) of the Ram Setu will give 'Moksha' (salvation) to crores of people"
Supreme Court dismisses a PIL seeking the construction of a wall in the vicinity of Ram Setu site for ‘darshan’. Supreme Court says it is an administrative decision and asks the petitioner how can the court direct the construction of a wall. Supreme Court also declined to tag the… pic.twitter.com/JUbsxmALr0
— ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2023
"Darshan of Ram Setu guarantees moksha," read the plea filed on September 28.
The apex court also declined to merge the PIL with another petition that sought the declaration of the monument as national heritage.
"Give it to the government; we are not prohibiting it. We are not inclined to interfere under Article 32. Dismissed," remarked Justice Kaul while rejecting the request made by the petitioner in person.
The Hindu Personal Law Board, the driving force behind the petition, is actively dedicated to safeguarding the legal and religious rights of Hindus, PIL claimed. It also highlighted the possibility of transforming the sea-made structure, commonly known as "Shri Ram Setu," into a pilgrimage site. The petition had contended that, based on religious scriptures, the structure holds significance, as it is believed that salvation is attained through the darshan (view) of this Setu.
Earlier, BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Subramanian Swamy filed a petition in the court seeking the status of national heritage for the Ram Setu site. He sought the center's response to his plea via the apex court.
