The Karnataka High Court directed the issuance of a notice to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the State government in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition. The petition alleged that the historic monument Jamia Masjid in Srirangapatna, Mandya district, designated as a protected site, was being unlawfully utilized as a residential madrasa, causing harm to its ancient structures.
A division bench of Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice Krishna S Dixit heard the petition on Wednesday. On the petition moved by Abishek Gowda, the court issued notices to the respondents to file their objections and adjourned the hearing.
The petitioner submitted that the Madrasa situated within the Juma Masjid in Srirangapatna had harmed the original framework by making structural modifications, demolishing the compound, constructing toilets, damaging ancient carvings, and engaging in daily cooking and food consumption.
"All the above acts are totally illegal and a violation of Section 7, Rule 7 & 8 of the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act and Rules," he claimed.
The petitioner additionally asserted that the leaders of Bajarang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad had appealed to the relevant authorities to address this matter in 2022. They also filed a police complaint, but no action was taken.
Responding to an RTI application from the applicant regarding information on the Madrasa within the mosque, the ASI stated that no authorization was given to operate a Madrasa within the protected area.
Therefore, the petitioner requested the court to order for the ASI to remove illegal constructions in the mosque and close down the unauthorized Madrasa.
With no acknowledgment of his appeals to the Archaeological Survey of India, the state, and central governments, the petitioner approached the court.
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