Illegal Coal Mining: Gauhati High Court Orders Protection Of Ahom Historical Monuments

The Gauhati High Court recently directed the State Government to complete, preferably within six months, the exercise of taking Ahom Dynasty monuments under the purview of 'protected historical sites/monuments' by measuring their authenticity, integrity and archaeological findings. The division bench of the Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Suman Shyam further directed the State authorities to take effective measures for protection of the historical monuments relating to the Ahom Dynasty in the State of Assam.The Court was hearing a Suo Moto PIL based on a newspaper report dated April 05, 2018 wherein it was reported that illegal activities were carried out by coal smugglers in the Tipam Hills area under Digboi Sub-Division resulting in destruction of historic Tipam Hills. The State and other respondents submitted that the illegal mining activities carried out by the coal smugglers in the Tipam Hills under Digboi Sub-Division have now been stopped and regular monitoring is being done so that no illegal mining is carried out by the coal smugglers in the said area.During the pendency of the PIL, another issue regarding protection of the monuments of historical importance of the Ahom dynasty had also been raised.Pursuant to the direction given by the Court on April 30, 2024, an affidavit was filed on behalf of the Director, Directorate of Archaeology, Government of Assam on August 29, 2024, wherein a statement has been made that a survey is going on to identify the historical monuments and thereafter, necessary steps will be taken to protect the same.It was also mentioned that so far as the monuments of the Ahom Dynasty are concerned, an exercise is to be undertaken for the purpose of taking those monuments under the purview of 'protected historical sites/monuments' by measuring their authenticity, integrity and archaeological findings.“Taking into consideration the above submission made on behalf of the Director, Directorate of Archaeology, we deem it appropriate to dispose of this PIL (Suo Moto) petition at this stage with a direction to the respondents to complete the said exercise expeditiously, preferably, within a period of 6(six) months from today and thereafter, to take effective measures for protection of the historical monuments relating to the Ahom Dynasty in the State of Assam,” the Court directed. The Court further directed the State Government as well as the other respondents to monitor and supervise the Tipam Hills Area to prevent illegal mining by the coal smugglers.Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Gau) 9Case Title: XXXX v. In Re- The State of Assam & 15 Ors. Case No.: PIL(Suo Moto)/3/2018Click Here To Read/Download Order

Illegal Coal Mining: Gauhati High Court Orders Protection Of Ahom Historical Monuments

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