SC PULLS UP GOVT OVER DELAY IN FILING AFFIDAVIT ON RAM SETU

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the Union government over “dragging its feet” from taking a stand on according the ‘national monument’ status to Ram Setu after the Centre sought more time to submit its affidavit in the matter.

“Why are you dragging your feet from taking a stand? Why don’t you file your affidavit finally?” a bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, asked the counsel representing the Centre.

The bench, which also comprised justices Hima Kohli and JB Pardiwala, was hearing a petition by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, demanding the protected ‘national monument’ status for Ram Setu, also know as Adam’s Bridge.

In August, the court had given the Union government eight weeks to submit its affidavit and clarify its stand.

However, on Thursday, the Centre’s lawyer pleaded for some more time. The lawyer said that the affidavit is almost ready but it needs to be vetted by the ministry concerned. The court was also informed that solicitor general Tushar Mehta, who leads the matter on behalf of the Centre, was not available.