Allahabad High Court Directs UP Police To Deploy Force To Protect 17th Century Agra 'Hammam'

A bench of Justice Salil Kumar Rai and Justice Samit Gopal passed this order while dealing with the PIL plea filed by one Chandrapal Singh Rana seeking protection of the heritage building, claiming that it is facing the potential danger of being demolished by “illegal and unauthorised persons”.

The PIL plea also alleged that the hammam, built in Turkish style, was constructed during the reign of Jahangir in 1620 by Ali Vardi Khan; however, recently, the site was claimed to be a private property, and certain people started demolishing the structure.

Before the Court, the counsel for the petitioner argued that it is the duty of the ASI to protect historical buildings from any unauthorized damage under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

The bench was also informed that several representations had been filed with the official authorities and the local police; however, no action had been taken to protect the building. It was further urged that if immediate orders were not passed, the building could be demolished entirely with the aid of bulldozers and machines.

Against the backdrop, the Court, while issuing notice to the respondent authorities, passed the following order:

“considering the facts as disclosed in the petition and the circumstances of the case, the Commissioner of Police, Agra, Uttar Pradesh as well as the Archaeological Survey of India,Agra Circle, 22 The Mall, Agra, U.P and the Director of Uttar Pradesh State Archeology Chhatar Manzil Campus, M.G. Road, Kaiserbagh, Lucknow shall ensure that no damage is done to the building/monument. The Commissioner of Police, Agra shall also ensure that sufficient police force shall be deployed to protect the building/monument”

The Court further directed that by the next fixed (January 27), the Standing Counsel representing the State-respondents would obtain instructions in the matter.