SC relents on viewing of Taj at night

The modification of the order was done after Uttar Pradesh Government moved an application seeking permission for viewing of the Taj from the platform adjoining the ground and without permitting entry into the main Taj monument.The court permitted viewing of Taj by night from 8.30 pm to 12.30 am for December 22, 23 and 24 nights and recorded the statment of Attorney General Soli J Sorabjee that a maximum of 50 persons per batch would beallowed entry in each of the eight batches every night.

The bench adjourned the matter for further hearing on January 10, 2000.Sorabjee pleaded that the brightest moon in 133 years was expected to be seen on Thursday and if the order of the court banning visitors’ entry at night continues, thousands of Indians and foreigners would be deprived of an opportunity to view the Taj on this "unique and historic occasion".

On December 17 the court had stayed the much hyped decision of the UP government and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to allow night viewing of the Taj by tourists after an application by environmentalist lawyer M C Mehta pointed out serious security hazards in the decision.

Mehta had pointed out that a high-powered committee headed by former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief G C saxena had recommended taking specific measures to protect the 17th century monument, one of the seven wonders of world, before opening it for night viewing by tourists.

On Wednesday, the bench, in aspecial sitting at Justice Ahmad’s residence, modified the order after hearing applicant Mehta, amicus curiae in the matter Krishan Mahajan, and Additional Solicitor Generarl Kirit Raval, who appeared for ASI.

The AG assured the court that the security converns had been specifically examined and considered by the State Government.