Taking suo motu cognisance of the issue during the hearing of a public interest matter, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi issued notices to the state government through the Secretary, Public Works Department (PWD), and to the Shimla Municipal Corporation through its Commissioner.
The court took note of reports published in The Tribune and another newspaper indicating that the historic gate had been dismantled allegedly as part of a road-widening project.
Observing that the structure was built in traditional wood-and-stone architecture and featured a slate roof, the Bench noted that it was located barely 500 metres from The Ridge and could qualify as a heritage structure deserving protection.
The court remarked that even if dismantling had become necessary for road expansion, efforts should have been made to preserve its architectural components and restore the structure. It observed that heritage assets cannot be demolished casually without considering conservation measures, including reconstruction in their original design and style.
The Bench directed the respondents to explain the circumstances under which the gate was removed and to clarify whether prescribed heritage conservation norms had been followed.
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