Supreme Court Rejects Plea to Declare Agra a 'Heritage City'

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea to declare Agra a 'heritage city', stating no special advantage would result from such a declaration. The bench emphasized that protection and preservation efforts for the Taj Mahal and its vicinity are already underway through existing monitoring. Declaring Agra a heritage city was deemed unnecessary.

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking to declare Agra a 'heritage city,' citing a lack of evidence that such a status would confer any special advantage.

Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan rejected the application brought within the framework of a 1984 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to safeguarding the iconic Taj Mahal and its surroundings.

During the hearing, the bench questioned the potential benefits of the 'heritage city' designation for Agra. Despite arguments highlighting Agra's 1,000-year history and numerous historic monuments, the bench remained unconvinced. Justice Oka noted ongoing efforts to protect the Taj Mahal and the adjacent Taj Trapezium Zone.

(With inputs from agencies.)