N. K. JAIN, C. J.

( 1 ) KARNATAKA Ithihasa Academy, represented by its member, Sri T. R. Krishna Gowda has filed this PIL petition to quash the order dated 21-4-2003 passed by the 4th respondent approving the construction.

( 2 ) IT is stated that the petitioner is a Society registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration act, 1960. It is stated that as per Indian history, Pampa Kshetra, now known as Hampe, Pampa or Hampi in colloquial usage was the capital of Vijayanagar Emperors. The capital was later shifted on to the southern bank of Tungabhadra river near Sri Virupaksha Temple and the new capital was built around the said temple. Hampi is the only city in the entire world, which has been lying in almost the same condition in which it was, immediately after the devastating war, when the Vijayanagar rulers lost to their enemies who plundered the kingdom. The UNICEF appreciating that Hampi is of great architectural importance, issued guidelines in partial implementation of which an area within a radius of one km. from the periphery of the zone intended to be protected has been considered as protected area. A monument of the country can be inscribed in the World Heritage Li

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