The Madras High Court on Monday ordered notices returnable by December 11 to the Centre, Archaeological Survey of India, Epigraphical Society of India, the State government, Director General of Police and Kancheepuram Collector on a suo motu public interest litigation petition taken by it for proper care and maintenance of archaeological sites with specific reference to the ancient town of Mahabalipuram.
A Division Bench of Justice Vineet Kothari and C. Saravanan passed the order on the suo motu PIL petition taken up by the court on the basis of a personal note submitted by Justice N. Kirubakaran to Justice Kothari when the latter was the Acting Chief Justice of the court on November 1. The nine page note had traced the history of Mahabalipuram since the seventh century and pointed out that it was now a UNESCO world heritage site.
“The structures, which stands today in Mamallapuram, could not have been created in a few years and it would have taken centuries together during the Pallava reign. Solely due to their efforts and dedication, these sculptures stand as evidence of Pallava dynasty. However, in modern times, they are not properly maintained because of encroachments and unregulated constructions, obstructing free view of the monuments.”
“Littering and shabby maintenance by the local authorities have proved to be a curse and the officials are not looking after the safety of the public especially the foreigners.”
“Many crimes are said to have been committed day in and day out especially against the visiting foreigners and their safety is definitely in jeopardy... It is the paramount duty of the State Government as well as Local Administration to give proper security and provide necessary amenities.”
Referring to countries such as Java, Cambodia, Indonesia and Pali which thrive mostly on tourism industry, the judge said: “When such is the position, the government should not lose this source of income and take steps to augment the revenue by promoting tourism... India is an ancient country and it has got many historical and cultural sites, which need to be promoted by proper advertisement worldwide.”
Further, stating that Tamil Nadu itself had several archaeological sites such as Keeladi and Adichanallur, Justice Kirubakaran said, it was no wonder that an informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jingping was held in Mahabalipuram recently. After their visit, tourists began thronging the place but the litter left behind by the them had not been cleaned up making it a “dirty place,” he added.
Therefore, he requested the Acting Chief Justice to take up take up a suo motu PIL petition and issue a slew of directions including imposition of a fine of ₹1,000 for littering places in and around ancient monuments, evicting encroachments, special police squad to attend to complaints of foreigners, ensuring hygiene and ale of healthy food around the monuments and conduct of cultural programmes to entertain the tourists.
