Former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Subramanian Swamy has approached the Supreme Court with a fresh plea urging the Union government to promptly decide on his representation seeking recognition of the Ram Setu as a National Monument.

He has also sought directions for a survey of the site by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to assess its status as an Ancient Monument of National Importance.

Filed as a public interest litigation, Dr. Swamy's petition asserts that the Central Government has a constitutional and moral duty to safeguard Ram Setu from pollution, desecration, or any misuse. “This archaeological site is a matter of faith and shraddha for millions who consider Ram Setu a sacred pilgrimage,” the plea states.

Dr. Swamy also highlights that a separate petition he filed earlier—seeking a writ of mandamus to direct the government to explore an alternative route for the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP) to avoid damage to Ram Setu—is still pending before the apex court. The controversial SSCP involves creating an 83-km-long navigational channel between the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait through dredging, which is alleged to threaten the structural and cultural integrity of the historic bridge.

In January 2023, during the hearing of an application seeking national heritage status for Ram Setu, the Centre had informed the Court that the Ministry of Culture was actively considering the issue. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had at the time advised Dr. Swamy to file a formal representation, after which the application was disposed of, granting liberty to Dr. Swamy to pursue appropriate legal remedies if dissatisfied with the government's decision.

Following this, Dr. Swamy submitted detailed representations on January 27, 2023, and again on May 13, 2025. However, according to the latest plea, no decision or response has been communicated to him or the Court by the Ministry so far. He further points out that in the related SSCP matter, no counter-affidavit has been filed by the Union government despite earlier attempts—one affidavit was filed and subsequently withdrawn.

The demand for declaring Ram Setu a national heritage monument has been a consistent aspect of Dr. Swamy’s legal campaign since his 2007 petition challenging the SSCP. Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals connecting Pamban Island near Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar Island off the coast of Sri Lanka. The bridge is referenced in the Hindu epic Ramayana, where it is described as having been constructed by Lord Rama to reach Lanka and rescue Sita.

The current petition has been drawn by advocates Satya Sabharwal and Palak Bishnoi.

Case Title: Dr. Subramanian Swamy vs. Union of India & Others