New Delhi, September 29: A 90-year old man in Delhi has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of Section 20-A of Ancient Monuments & Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, which imposes a complete ban on construction within 100 meters distance from all protected monuments. According to a tweet by ANI, the petitioner sought a direction to construct his house, which falls within the 100-metre distance from a protected monument in Green Park area in South Delhi. Reports inform that the case will be heard next week.

In January this year, the Lok Sabha passed a bill allowing construction within 100 metres of ancient and protected monuments. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2017 amends a provision in the existing Act prohibiting construction in "prohibited areas" - defined as 100 metres around the monument - even if it is for public purposes.

Reports inform that 24 monuments are 'missing' due to encroachments, while 321 are already marred by illegal encroachment and currently the Archaeological Survey of India has 3,686 monuments under its observation. Photography Ban at Protected Monuments Lifted, Except Taj Mahal, Ajanta Caves & Leh Palace After PM Modi's Intervention.

According to a report by IANS, the proposed amendment allows civil construction for public purpose in the "prohibited areas" but after official permission and under certain conditions. The Bill also states that "public works", which includes construction of any infrastructure financed and carried out by the Central government necessary for public safety and security, will only be allowed after considering the archaeological, visual and heritage impact on the protected monument.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 29, 2018 03:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).