“Symbols Of Rajput Pride Reduced To Picnic Spots”: Rajasthan High Court Flags Littering, Encroachments At Haldighati & Rakht Talai

While hearing a PIL based on suo moto cognizance of a news report highlighting the neglected and degraded condition of the historic sites of Haldighati Pass and the Rakht Talai, Rajasthan High Court held that such systemic failure on part of the Central and State governments constituted violation of Articles 21, 49 and 51A(g) of the Constitution.

The division bench of Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Sanjeet Purohit issued notices to the Central and State Governments with a direction to file affidavits detailing the steps taken for preservation of the sites, and measures to address encroachments, pollution and restoration.

While listing the matter for February 28, 2026, as an interim measure, the Court had issued the following directions:

1. Ceasing any further construction or expansion activities at the sites without Court's prior approval.
2. Initiating a clean-up drive within 15 days to remove litter and weeds.
3. Imposition of temporary ban on vehicular parking on historic slopes and enforcement of littering fines.
4. Diversion of sewage flows and addressing waterlogging issues.
5. Appointing caretakers for round the clock monitoring to prevent misuse.

The news report that became the basis for this suo moto PIL highlighted various issues like widening of the Haldighati Pass that led to falling of 200 trees, flattening of hillsides, and burial of potential archaeological artifacts.

It was observed that the site was blocked with non-stop traffic, and it was being treated as a picnic spot by the tourists, engaging in “activities that desecrated its sanctity”.

The report further revealed that the site of Rakht Talai was choked with weeds, broken beer bottles and overgrown pathways. And the memorial sites of historic figures were “misused as a lovers' hideout by day and addicts' haunt by night”.

All this was coupled with open sewage from nearby illegal encroachments that included unauthorized houses and public structures like government school and hospital.

The report also highlighted inaction on part of concerned government authorities like the ASI, and revealed that the Rajasthan Chief Minister's 100 crore Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit in 2024 budget had also not progressed.

After taking note of the report, the Court observed, “These sites, once symbols of Rajput pride and national heritage, are now marred by modern encroachments, environmental pollution, littering, and administrative indifference, resulting in irreversible damage to their cultural, historical, and ecological integrity.”

It opined that all these facts disclosed a systemic failure on part of the State and Central authorities in preserving the sites, that not only violated Articles 21, 49 and 51A(g) of the Constitution, but also various other statutory provisions under many statues relating to Archaeological Sites; Environment; Pollution; Wildlife Protection, etc.

In this background, the Court observed that such administrative apathy and failure to implement promised initiatives amounted to dereliction of duty that required judicial intervention in the larger public interest.

Accordingly, notices were issued to the Central and State government who were directed to file aforementioned affidavits and also respond to certain suggestions provided in the news report.

While laying down interim directions, the matter was listed for February 28, 2026.

Title: In RE: Protection and Preservation of the Historic Sites of Haldighati and Rakht Talai, District Udaipur.

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Raj) 22

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