A Division bench of the Supreme Court, comprising of Justices D. Y. Chandrachud and Hima Kohli, directed the Central Government to file its reply to Dr. Subramanian Swamy's petition for Ram Setu National Heritage Status. Dr. Subramanium Swamy submitted before the court that:

"For the last 8 years the matter has been coming up, and the Union of India has failed to file the affidavit in the matter."

Additional Solicitor General Madhavi Divan, who was appearing on behalf of the Centre, was directed to file its counter affidavit.

Swamy raised the issue of seeking the declaration of the Ram Setu as a National Heritage in his 2007 petition against the Sethu Samundram Ship Channel project. Dr. Swamy has also previously raised the issue on several occasions, the most recent being on August 17, 2022, before a bench led by Justice Chandrachud. He further submitted that "They should file an affidavit and say when they will decide. It has been going on and on. They should file a counter. If they are opposing they have to say so. Otherwise, they are supporting, there is no other way"

The bench allowed Swamy to file written arguments before adjourning the case. The case is now directed to be listed on 10.11.2022

Case Details:-

Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No(s). 20758/2005
O.FERNANDES(DEAD) Petitioner(s)
 VERSUS
T.N.P.C.B. AND ORS. REP. BY CHAIRMAN Respondent(s)

Read the complete order on the following link:-

https://main.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2005/16672/16672_2005_2_27_38859_Order_13-Oct-2022.pdf