Affidavits off, govt tries to rebuild political setu | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Affidavits off, govt tries to rebuild political setu

Hindustan Times | BySatya Prakash, New Delhi
Sep 15, 2007 02:01 AM IST

The UPA Govt withdraws both its affidavits on the Setusamudram project case from the Supreme Court, reports Satya Prakash.

Working on a war-footing, the UPA government on Friday withdrew both its affidavits on the Setusamudram project case from the Supreme Court. One of them had said there was no scientific and historical evidence to prove the existence of Lord Ram.

HT Image
HT Image

The government’s action went much beyond what was stated by Law Minister H.R. Bhardwaj on Thursday. He had said the government would file a second affidavit, erasing out the controversial paragraphs.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Additional Solicitor-General Gopal Subramanium told a bench headed by Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan that the Government would set up a mechanism to redress the grievances of the petitioners about the project. The authority, to be set up shortly, would hear all parties and reach an amicable solution, he said.

Subramanium said, “The Government wants to resolve the matter in a mutually-acceptable manner. The government assures all concerned that all materials will be re-scrutinised with care and circumspection, including any alternative suggestions. The government is keen that its decisions bind the society together, rather than cause any disruption...”

The government on Friday sought an explanation from the director-general of the Archaeological Survey of India, Anshu Vaishya, for not carrying out the culture ministry's directive to delete the controversial paragraphs in the affidavit.

Two ASI officials — B. Bakshi, assistant director, monuments and Chandra Shekhar, director, administration — have been suspended by Vaishya.

The court posted the case for further hearing in the first week of January 2008. The bench said its August 31 order restraining the Centre and the Setusamudram Shipping Canal Corporation from damaging the Ram Setu would continue. However, the authorities can continue dredging; there is no stay on that.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On