Madras High Court
K.Pushpavanam vs The Union Of India on 2 December, 2025
Author: G. Jayachandran
Bench: G. Jayachandran
W.P.(MD)No.14805 of 2020
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
DATED: 02.12.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE G. JAYACHANDRAN
AND
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.K. RAMAKRISHNAN
W.P.(MD)No.14805 of 2020
K.Pushpavanam ... Petitioner
Vs.
1. The Union of India,
The Principal Secretary,
Ministry of Culture-Union of India,
501, C-Wing,
Shastri Bhawan,
New Delhi 110 015.
2. The Director General,
Arcaheological Survey of India,
New Delhi 110 001.
3. The Chairman,
National Monuments Authority,
24, Tilak Marg,
New Delhi - 110001.
4. The Superintending Archeaologist,
EB VI, Banglore, Archaeologist Survey of India,
Excavation Branch - 6,
KSIMC Building, Industrial Estate,
Rajaji Nagar, Bengaluru – 560 044.
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W.P.(MD)No.14805 of 2020
5. The Principal Secretary,
Department of Archaeology,
Tamil Valarchi Valaagam,
Thamizhsalai, Egmore,
Chennai – 600 008.
6. The Commissioner,
Department of Archaeology,
Tamil Valarchi Valagam,
Tamizhsalai,
Egmore,Chennai – 600 008.
7. The Superintending Archaeologist,
Trichy Circle,
Trichy District
8. Marine Geology Wing,
Geological Survey of India,
Calcutta.
9. National Institute of Ocean Technology,
Tharamani,
Chennai.
10. Tamil Nadu University,
Rep by its Registrar,
Thanjavur. ... Respondents
(Respondent Nos.8 to 10 suo motu impleaded vide Court Order dated
19.11.2020 in W.P.(MD).No.14805 of2020)
PRAYER:- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of
India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents,
a. To allocate more funds for the `Protection and Preservation`
of monuments in the 'State of Tamilnadu'.
b. To fill the existing vacancies in 'Department of
Archaeology', 'State of Tamilnadu' and 'Archaeological Survey of India,
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W.P.(MD)No.14805 of 2020
Chennai Circle and Trichy Circle and other Sub Circles in the State of
Tamilnadu' in an expedite manner as per the recommendations in the 39th
Report of ''Public Accounts Committee'' in the title ''Protection and
Conservation of Monuments and Antiquities''.
c. To conduct a regular inspections of archeological
monuments all over the State of Tamilnadu by the Archaeological
officers to ensure routine visits to monuments, at least once a year, to
examine the condition of a monument and to draw up inspection notes
which will aid in the preparation of necessary Conservation Program as
per National Policy For Conservation of Ancient Monuments,
Archaeological sites and Remains (NPC-AMASR).
d. To publish the status of each monument being protected by
Archaeological Survey of India on the basis of detailed inspection notes
and Photographic evidence collected during the inspection in a yearly
manner as per the recommendations in National Policy For Conservation
of Ancient Monuments. Archaeological sites and Remains (NPC-
AMASR).
e. To establish and maintain Clean and Modern Toilets.
Eateries, Medical Shops and other urgent conveniences in and around
their precincts of the Archaeological Monuments.
f. To make the ASI monuments as 'Differently abled persons
friendly to visit the monuments.
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W.P.(MD)No.14805 of 2020
g. To evolve a roadmap for preserving historical and cultural
monuments using electronic data and images, and to promote our rich
cultural and historical heritage into more prominence.
h. To create a new "ASI Circle" in Thoothukudi District and a
Special ASI wing exclusively for 'Marine Archaeology' in Thoothukudi
or any other district of Tamilnadu in accordance with law within the time
stipulated by this Court.
For Petitioner : Mr.R.Alagumani
For Respondents : Mr.P.Thilakkumar (R5 & R6)
Government Pleader
ORDER
(Order of the Court was made by DR.G.JAYACHANDRAN, J.) The Public Interest Litigation is filed objecting to carry out the national policy for the conservation of ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains.
2. Multiple prayers seeking different reliefs have been sought in this writ petition. After issuance of notice, a report has been filed on behalf of the Archaeological Department regarding the steps taken in connection with protecting the archaeological site and also to excavate 4/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 05/12/2025 03:44:58 pm ) W.P.(MD)No.14805 of 2020 the place of ancient importance. We are of the view that the multiple reliefs sought for in this writ petition by way of the Public Interest Litigation have extensive ramifications and that each has to be considered separately based on policy decisions.
3. Therefore, we dispose of this writ petition with a general direction to the respondents that the concerns expressed by the writ petitioner herein be considered and appropriate decision has to be taken in consonance with the national policy for the conservation of ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains. While considering the prayers, the representation of the petitioner may also be taken into consideration. There shall be no order as to costs.
[G.J., J.] & [K.K.R.K., J.]
02.12.2025
Index :Yes/No
Internet :Yes
TSG
To
1. The Union of India,
The Principal Secretary,
Ministry of Culture-Union of India, 501, C-Wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi 110 015.
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2. The Director General, Arcaheological Survey of India, New Delhi 110 001.
3. The Chairman, National Monuments Authority, 24, Tilak Marg, New Delhi - 110001.
4. The Superintending Archaologist, EB VI, Banglore, Archaeologist Survey of India, Excavation Branch - 6, KSIMC Building, Industrial Estate, Rajaji Nagar, Bengaluru – 560 044.
5. The Principal Secretary, Department of Archaeology, Tamil Valarchi Valaagam, Thamizhsalai, Egmore, Chennai – 600 008.
6. The Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, Tamil Valarchi Valagam, Tamizhsalai, Egmore,Chennai – 600 008.
7. The Superintending Aechaeologist, Trichy Circle, Trichy District
8. Marine Geology Wing, Geological Survey of India, Calcutta.
9. National Institute of Ocean Technology, Tharamani, Chennai.
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10. Tamil Nadu University, Rep by its Registrar, Thanjavur.
7/8https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 05/12/2025 03:44:58 pm ) W.P.(MD)No.14805 of 2020 DR.G. JAYACHANDRAN, J.
AND K.K. RAMAKRISHNAN, J.
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