Allahabad High Court Questions Credentials Of Man Who Moved PIL To Protect 17th Century Agra's 'Hammam'

The Allahabad High Court on Monday questioned the credentials of the petitioner who moved a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) plea seeking protection of the heritage building [17th-century Hammam (public bath) in Agra], claiming that it is facing the potential danger of being demolished by “illegal and unauthorised persons”.

A bench of Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Vikas Budhwar questioned whether the PIL petitioner, Chandrapal Singh Rana, had any personal interest in the cause and also queried him regarding his profession.

The question was posed as the bench noted that while the petitioner had claimed himself to be a fruit vendor at one place in his affidavit, at another place, he had merely mentioned in the PIL plea that he was a 'respectable citizen'. Thus, granting him time to bring his credentials on record, the Court adjourned the hearing on the matter.

It may be noted that the PIL plea moved by Rana alleges 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 private property, and certain people started demolishing the structure.

Against this backdrop, the Court had directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Commissioner of Police, Agra, to ensure that no damage is caused to a 17th-century Hammam (public bath) in Agra.