Allahabad HC Orders Removal Of Unauthorized Encroachers At Entry Gates Of 'Chhota Imambara' In Lucknow

A bench of Justice Attau Rahman Masoodi and Justice Subhash Vidyarthi passed this order while hearing a 2013 PIL plea moved by Advocate Syed Mohammad Haider Rizvi for the protection of Lucknow's historical monuments and the removal of encroachments.

Though the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) dispelled the petitioner's apprehension that there is no maintenance of the ancient monuments by the ASI, it admitted that some parts of Chhota Imambara require immediate attention, more particularly the repair of the western gate and some walls that are collapsing.

The bench was also apprised that unless the walls and the gate are repaired fully, any untoward incident can take place on account of the collapse of the gate or walls, causing injury to the visitors or the personnel on duty.

In view of this submission, the bench directed the ASI to give immediate attention to the monument and it was granted a week's time to submit a detailed repair project of the eastern and western gates as well as the walls, which require immediate repair so that necessary budgetary provision is made for carrying out the repair work by ASI.

“Let an estimate for repair work regarding the above be submitted by the ASI, not later than a period of two weeks from today so that necessary orders for carrying out the same along with the budgetary provision is passed on the next date of listing,” the bench observed in its order while posting the matter for January 20.