The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the central government regarding the demand to declare Ram Setu a national monument. The petition was filed by former Union Minister Subramanian Swamy, who argued that despite submitting memorandums twice to the government, no decision has been made so far.
Demand for Permanent Protection
Swamy has requested that, due to its religious and cultural importance, Ram Setu should be given permanent protection by declaring it a national monument. Since Swamy is unwell, senior advocate Vibha Datta Makhija appeared on his behalf. After hearing the arguments, a bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta issued a notice to the government.
What is Ram Setu?
Ram Setu is a chain of limestone shoals located between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Mannar in Sri Lanka. Geologists believe that this formation was once completely above sea level, allowing people to walk across to Sri Lanka.
In Hindu tradition, it is considered the bridge built by Lord Ram’s army to reach Lanka. In some other faiths, it is known as Adam’s Bridge and is also believed to be man-made.
Past Controversy: Sethusamudram Project
During the UPA government’s tenure, the Sethusamudram Project was introduced to create a shipping route by cutting through Ram Setu. However, the plan was stopped after the Supreme Court’s intervention. Since then, there has been a continuous demand to protect the structure and give it the status of a national monument.
Government’s Position Still Unclear
In 2014, after the NDA came to power, the government informed the Supreme Court that Ram Setu would not be damaged and that an alternative route for the Sethusamudram project would be considered in the national interest.
However, the government has not yet clarified whether Ram Setu will officially be declared a national monument to ensure its protection for the future.
👉 This case highlights the long-standing debate between development projects and the preservation of cultural-religious heritage.
