Fresh expert committee set up for conservation of Jantar Mantar observatory: ASI to HC

In 2010, a division bench of the HC had passed an order recording an undertaking given on behalf of the ASI that Jantar Mantar shall be made functional and will be restored to its original glory to the best of its ability.The bench had also directed the Centre and the state government to extend necessary support to the ASI so that it could work to restore the lost glory of Jantar Mantar.

Justice Arora in its order of April 24 noted that the ASI had sought eight weeks for setting up a ‘meeting’ of the new committee and to furnish the required recommendations to carry out conservation, preservation, restoration and proper functionality of the monument to the HC.

The petitioner’s counsel submitted that as per the request made in the affidavit, neither the date of the constitution of the committee has been mentioned and nor a firm date for holding the first meeting has been mentioned therein. He submitted that the affidavit was deliberately vague.

Justice Arora noted that petitioner’s grievance with respect to evasiveness as well as acts/omissions by ASI was justified.

“However, in the interest of justice, the time sought by the Respondent is granted. It is, however, reasonably expected that the newly constituted committee shall hold the meeting at the earliest so that steps taken for preservation, restoration and proper functionality of the monument can be placed on record before the next date of hearing,” the court directed.

The HC also directed the “superintending archaeologist” who had filed the affidavit for ASI to remain present in court on the next date of hearing.

The HC further directed the ASI to file a status report indicating the steps initiated for conservation, preservation, restoration and proper functionality of the monument and listed the matter on August 31.