In Brief
The Supreme Court dismissed Special Leave Petitions challenging a High Court order that permitted construction of basic amenities (toilets, cloak rooms, electrical facilities) within the prohibited area of Shree Jagannath Temple at Puri. The petitioners claimed such construction violated the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The Court held that Section 2(dc) of the Act expressly excludes repair, renovation, public latrines, and utilities from the definition of "construction," permitting such works even in prohibited areas. The construction was authorized by the National Monuments Authority under proper procedure and was consistent with prior Court directions recognizing the need for facilities serving thousands of daily devotees. The Court criticized the PIL as frivolous and detrimental to public interest.
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