New Delhi, May 26 (UNI) Former Rajya Sabha MP Dr Subramanian Swamy has moved the Supreme Court seeking urgent directions to the Union government to decide on his long-pending representation demanding a national monument status for Ram Setu, along with a comprehensive survey by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Filed as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), Dr. Swamy’s fresh plea asserts that Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, is not just an ancient formation of archaeological interest but also a site of deep religious reverence for millions of Hindus. “This archaeological site is a matter of faith, being treated as a pilgrimage by the people,” the petition says.
The petition reiterates the constitutional obligation of the Central government to protect Ram Setu from any form of pollution, destruction, or desecration, calling it an integral part of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
This new plea follows Dr. Swamy’s earlier petition which is still pending before the apex court, where he seeks a writ of mandamus to prevent damage to Ram Setu from the Sethu Samundram Ship Channel Project, which envisages creating an 83-km-long navigational channel linking the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait through extensive dredging.
The project has long been criticised for potentially harming the fragile limestone shoal formation believed to be the mythical bridge constructed by Lord Ram’s Vanar Sena, as described in the Ramayana.
During a hearing in January 2023, the Union government informed the Supreme Court that the Ministry of Culture was actively considering the matter of declaring Ram Setu a national heritage site.
At the time, solicitor general Tushar Mehta had suggested that Dr Swamy submit a formal representation, which he did first on January 27, 2023, and again on May 13, 2025.
Dr Swamy has now returned to the court, stating that no decision has been communicated to him on the representations submitted, nor has the Ministry responded to the court. He further points out that the Union government has not filed a counter-affidavit in the connected matter concerning the ship channel project, despite earlier filing and subsequently withdrawing one.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear Dr. Swamy’s petition soon, which reopens a long-standing debate on balancing development and cultural preservation, especially in light of the Ram Setu’s unique place in mythology, history, and national identity.
