Indian Kanoon - Search engine for Indian Law

IA NO.57183/2017 (APPLN. FOR DIRECTIONS ON BEHALF OF STATE OF U.P., DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM) We have heard the learned Attorney General assisted by Mr. Tushar Mehta and Mr. A.N.S. Nadkarni, learned Additional Solicitors General and also the learned Additional Advocate General for the State of Uttar Pradesh.

The School of Planning and Architecture along with the Government of Uttar Pradesh has prepared a First Draft Report in the form of a Vision Document relating to the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ). One of the important features of the TTZ is the Taj Mahal itself and we are told that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is responsible for the maintenance and preservation of the Taj Mahal, has not even been consulted in the preparation of the Vision Document. We find it rather surprising.

Mr. M.C. Mehta, who is petitioner-in-person, can also study the draft Vision Document and make his comments and suggestions.

We have requested the learned Attorney General to tell us by Monday, 30th July, 2018, categorically and unequivocally who in the Government of India and who in the Government of Uttar Pradesh is responsible for the maintenance and protection of the TTZ with a view to protect the Taj Mahal and other monuments within the TTZ so that these authorities can be held responsible, if necessary.

As far as the monuments are concerned, it is stated by Mr. A.D.N. Rao that it is the ASI who is responsible. We take it that the Director General of the ASI is responsible.

We would like these authorities/entites to tell us on the next date of hearing measures that can be taken almost immediately and which are essential for the protection of the Taj Mahal and other monuments in the TTZ as well as protection and maintenance of the TTZ.

Mr. K. Ram Mohan Rao, Chairman of the Taj Trapezium Zone Authority should be present in the Court on the next date of hearing (30th July, 2018).

In the affidavit of Mr. K. Ram Mohan Rao, it seems that there are some cases pertaining to the TTZ pending in the Allahabad High Court. Since this Court is looking into the entire issue, we request the Allahabad High Court not to entertain any petition with regard to the setting up, expansion and allocation of fuel to industries in the TTZ. A copy of this order be sent to the Registrar General of the Allahabad High Court for being placed before Hon'ble the Chief Justice.