Ram Sethu: SC verdict, a boost for Hindus

NT Bureau
Chennai, Sept 1:

The Supreme Court's verdict to put on hold demolition of the 'Rama Setu', a mythical bridge situated south-east off Rameshwaram, connecting the Talaimanar coast of Sri Lanka, for carrying out the ongoing Sethusamudram project, has brought joy among the Hindus and several organisations fighting for the cause.

The Supreme Court had stated yesterday in an interim order that till 14 September, the alleged Rama Setu or Adams bridge shall not be damaged in any way an interim order.

However, it allowed the dredging activity for the project to continue to the extent that it did not in anyway cause any destruction to the Rama Setu.

The Rs 2087 crore project to establish and maintain a ship canal from the west coast of India to the east coast without going around Sri Lanka was cleared by Ministry of Environment and Forest and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had inaugurated it on 2 July, 2005.

The order was passed on on urgent application moved by Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy alleging that the Centre has decided to use explosive to blow the bridge.

The court had expressed its concern that if the Rama Setu was touched and some destruction takes place it would not be possible to repair it and there would nothing be left for it to decide.

'Don't disturb the bridge. After the bridge is destroyed or demolished what the court will decide,' the Bench said.

Subramanium, who wanted the matter to be heard next week, said there was no room for any apprehension till the Centre files its affidavit.

Swamy, whose petition was transferred from the Madras High Court to the apex court along with others on the issue, said he was not against the project but the Centre has failed to comply with the High Court order which had asked to consider whether Rama Setu could be declared as an ancient monument under the Ancient Monument Preservation Act.

The ASG said the alleged Rama Setu or Adams bridge was not man-made and it was a formation of sand and calcium, a geographical activity, confirmed by scientists.

However, the Bench wanted to know whether the mythological aspect of Rama Setu was considered or not. The ASG said there has been various interpretation of it. He said the project in question was a national project and any political dimension should not be given to it.

The interim order has come a boost for several Hindu organisations fighting for the cause. A series of demonstrations, fasts and protests were organised in various parts of the country to protect the historical monument from being destructed.

A cluster of Hindu oufits came together to form Ram Setu Protection Movement and organised several programmes for the cause.