News Brief
NASA satellite image of the Ram Setu (Screengrab from the video)
The Supreme Court on Friday (29 August) sought a response from the Centre on a petition filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy, seeking a direction to the government to "expeditiously" decide his representation to declare 'Ram Setu' as a national monument, Hindustan Times reported.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the Union government and scheduled the matter for hearing after four weeks.
‘Ram Setu’, also known as Adam’s Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals between Pamban Island off the Tamil Nadu coast and Mannar Island in Sri Lanka.
Considered sacred by many, it has long been at the centre of heritage and faith-based demands for protection.
Swamy’s plea pointed out that the apex court had, on 19 January 2023, recorded the Centre’s submission that the matter was under examination by the Ministry of Culture.
The fresh petition contends that despite repeated representations, including one in January 2023 and another in May 2025, no decision has been conveyed either to Swamy or to the court.
It further argues that the government is duty-bound to safeguard Ram Setu from misuse, pollution, or desecration, while also emphasising its significance as both an archaeological site and a place of faith for many.
Swamy has sought direction to the Ministry of Culture to take a time-bound decision in line with the apex court’s earlier order.