Taj Mahal-agra

The Supreme Court today stayed its order directing demolition of a multi-level car parking being constructed near the iconic Taj Mahal at Agra. A bench comprising Justices M B Lokur and Dipak Gupta also asked the authorities to maintain status quo at the site, which is around one kilometre from the eastern gate of the 17th century monument, and said no further construction will be carried out there.

It also asked the Uttar Pradesh Government to file a comprehensive policy on preservation and pollution in the Taj Trapezium Zone and nearby areas. The Taj Trapezium Zone is an area of 10,400 sq km around the historic Taj Mahal and is aimed at protecting the ancient monument.

The apex court had on October 24 ordered the demolition of the multi-level car parking which is under construction.