The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) seems to have failed to take steps against an educational institution for constructing a structure within the prohibited area of the Haft Gumbaz.
Although the ASI issued a notice to the institution earlier to remove the unauthorised structure, it did not take legal action against people who violated the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It was social activist K.M. Mujeebuddin, who brought the issue to the notice of the ASI authorities. The building had come up within the 100-m radius of the Haft Gumbaz, a series of aesthetically constructed domes where the mortal remains of the royal family of Bahmani dynasty had been buried.
When no action was forthcoming from local officials of the ASI, Mr. Mujeebuddin took up the issue with the circle office of ASI in Dharwad, and later filed an application under the Right to Information Act seeking information on the action taken to remove the illegal structure and the penalty imposed.
It was only after filing of the RTI application that the circle office issued a notice to the institution in February, 2013.
However, no action was taken after this and hence Mr. Mujeebuddin filed another RTI application. For this, the Superintending Archaeologist in ASI, Dharwad Circle, replied in the negative and said no one had been punished or penalised. “I want to know why the ASI has not taken legal action against the educational institution for violating the Act,” Mr. Mujubuddin said.
