Supreme Court Revives Plea to Declare Ram Setu a National Monument

New Delhi, August 29, 2025 — The Supreme Court of India has once again turned its focus to the contentious and historically significant Ram Setu, issuing a notice to the Central Government on a writ petition filed by former Member of Parliament, Dr. Subramanian Swamy. The petition seeks a directive to the Union Ministry of Culture to expedite a decision on declaring the ancient limestone shoal bridge a monument of national importance.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta agreed to hear the plea, scheduling the matter for further consideration in four weeks. Senior Advocate Vibha Dutta Makhija, appearing for Dr. Swamy, successfully argued for the revival of the long-pending issue, bringing a matter intertwined with faith, history, and environmental concerns back to the judicial forefront.

The Legal and Historical Context

The case has its genesis in the controversial Sethusamudram Ship Channel project, initiated by the UPA-I government. The project aimed to create a shorter shipping route by dredging a channel through the shallow straits between India and Sri Lanka, which would involve breaching the Ram Setu. Dr. Swamy’s original Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenged this project, arguing that the Ram Setu, a structure of immense religious significance to Hindus who believe it was built by Lord Ram's army, should be protected.

The Supreme Court intervened in 2007, staying the project's work on the Ram Setu section. Subsequently, the Centre, acknowledging the "socio-economic disadvantages" and the cultural sensitivities involved, expressed its willingness to explore an alternative alignment for the shipping channel that would not damage the structure.

Dr. Swamy’s current plea argues that despite these developments and multiple representations, the government has failed to take a conclusive stand on granting the Ram Setu national heritage status. The petition contends that such a declaration is imperative to ensure its permanent protection from any future infrastructure projects or damage. The legal question before the court is not merely about the existence or origin of the structure but hinges on the executive's duty to decide on its preservation under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how the judiciary directs executive action in matters where scientific evidence, religious belief, and national development policy intersect. A directive from the court could compel the Ministry of Culture to finalize its stance, potentially altering the course of maritime infrastructure development in the region permanently.

In Other Legal News: A National Roundup

Madras High Court Orders Censor Certificate for 'Manushi' After Judicial Screening

In a notable development concerning freedom of expression and film censorship, the Madras High Court has directed the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a censor certificate for the Tamil film 'Manushi'. The order, passed by Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, came after the judge personally viewed the controversial film and specified the modifications required for its public release.

Produced by acclaimed director C. Vetri Maaran and starring Andrea Jeremiah, 'Manushi' was denied certification by the CBFC on grounds that it portrayed the State in a "poor light" and conflated "leftist communism" with "mainstream communism." The filmmakers challenged this decision, leading to a unique judicial intervention where Justice Venkatesh himself mediated the dispute over 37 proposed cuts by watching the film with both parties.

The court's decision underscores a proactive judicial approach to resolving censorship deadlocks, balancing artistic expression with regulatory concerns. The case highlights the ongoing friction between filmmakers and the CBFC over the interpretation of censorship guidelines, particularly concerning political themes and state criticism. The court directed the producer to carry out the specified modifications within two weeks, paving the way for the film's release.

Commerce Ministry Signals Expansion of Free Trade Agreements with Gulf Nations

On the international trade law front, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India is on the verge of finalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Oman and that Qatar has expressed a strong desire to negotiate a similar pact. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Goyal also noted that Saudi Arabia is keen on strengthening trade ties and that talks with the European Union for a comprehensive trade agreement are progressing rapidly.

These developments signal a strategic pivot in India's trade policy, focusing on strengthening economic partnerships with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the EU. For legal practitioners in trade and corporate law, these potential FTAs will open new avenues for advising clients on market access, tariffs, investment protection, and dispute resolution mechanisms under the new international frameworks.

Hyderabad Police Bust ₹5 Crore Land Forgery Racket

In a major crackdown on property fraud, a joint operation by the Special Operations Team of Bhongir and Keesara police led to the arrest of eight individuals involved in a sophisticated land document fabrication gang. The accused allegedly targeted vacant plots with absentee or elderly owners, creating a web of forged documents—including sale deeds, death certificates, and legal heir certificates—to execute fraudulent sales valued at approximately ₹5 crore.

The police seized a significant amount of equipment used for creating counterfeit papers, such as laptops, printers, scanners, and fake stamps. The investigation revealed the gang's meticulous methods, which included impersonating rightful heirs and creating a fake passport and power of attorney to facilitate an illegal sale. This case serves as a critical reminder for property lawyers and the public about the importance of thorough due diligence. In response to the fraud, the Rachakonda police have urged citizens to verify the authenticity of all property documents through official channels, including the SHCIL e-stamping website, to prevent such scams.