Allahabad HC Requests Centre Response Over Taj Mahal Survey Plea

The Allahabad High Court has formally directed the Union Government and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to file a counter-affidavit regarding a petition seeking a court-monitored survey of the Taj Mahal. The plea, which asserts that the monument was originally a Shiva temple known as 'Tejo Mahalaya', has reignited long-standing debates concerning the historical provenance and maintenance of the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The petition relies on various fringe theories that have circulated for decades, suggesting that the Mughal-era mausoleum was built over an ancient Hindu temple. Proponents of this claim argue that an ASI investigation is necessary to uncover potential underlying structures or archaeological evidence. However, such claims have faced persistent opposition from historians, heritage experts, and government agencies, who maintain that the monument is firmly established as a 17th-century construction built by Emperor Shah Jahan.

The court's decision to seek a formal response ensures the state and federal authorities provide an official stance on the petition, effectively moving the matter into the formal legal record. While the court has previously rejected similar demands for surveys, this development reflects the ongoing pressure on heritage management and judicial processes in India regarding historical monuments. The case remains a focal point for broader discussions about the intersection of religion, history, and the state-protected status of national landmarks.