Allahabad High Court orders police to protect 17th century Hammam in Agra

The Allahabad High Court on Thursday granted interim protection to a 17th-century Hammam (public bath) in Agra, a heritage site which has come under threat of demolition by private individuals [Chandrapal Singh Rana vs. Archaeological Survey of India & Ors.]. .A Bench of Justices Salil Rai and Samit Gopal directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other State authorities to ensure that no damage is done to the monument.Additionally, the Court also ordered the Commissioner of Police in Agra to deploy sufficient forces to protect the monument from being demolished. “Meanwhile, considering the facts as disclosed in the petition and the circumstances of the case, the Commissioner of Police, Agra, Uttar Pradesh as well as the Archaeological Survey of India, Agra Circle, 22 The Mall, Agra, U.P and the Director of Uttar Pradesh State Archeology Chhatar Manzil Campus, M.G. Road, Kaiserbagh, Lucknow shall ensure that no damage is done to the building/monument. The Commissioner of Police, Agra shall also ensure that sufficient police force shall be deployed to protect the building/monument”, the Court said in its order. .The Court passed its ruling on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) plea filed by one Chandrapal Singh Rana who sought protection of the heritage building from being demolished by certain private persons. Rana in his plea submitted that the heritage building is of national importance but is yet to be declared as an ancient monument. The Court was also informed that a year ago, the ASI had conducted a survey of the heritage building. Further, it was submitted that as per official reports, the Hammam was built in 1620 AD..The counsel appearing on behalf of Rana argued that as per the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, it is the duty of the ASI along with the State authorities to protect the 400-year-old Hammam from being demolished.After considering the submissions, the Court granted interim protection to the monument and directed the Agra Police Commissioner to deploy forces to prevent any further damage to the heritage building..The Court listed the matter to be heard afresh on January 27, 2025 by an appropriate bench. “The matter shall not be treated as tied up or part heard to this Bench,” the Court clarified. .Advocates Vikrant Dabas, Shad khan and Chandra Prakash Singh appeared for petitioner Chandrapal Singh Rana.Advocate Manu Ghildyal represented the Uttar Pradesh State Archeology Department and Agra Police. Advocate Manoj Kumar Singh represented Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)..[Read Order]