Public demands vs. legal reality: Why Maharashtra govt can’t demolish Aurangzeb’s tomb

Nagpur: Nagpur violence recently, sparked by calls for Aurangzeb's tomb demolition in Maharashtra's Khuldabad, has grown debates regarding the monument's existence.  who demanded the tomb be removed, referencing Aurangzeb's repressive rule.The violence increased, resulting in violent clashes, police injuries and curfews in affected districts.

What is the AMASR Act, 1958?

Even while the demand increases, the state government of Maharashtra is not permitted by law to demolish the tomb. It is protected by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 1958, and lies under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and it is legally out of the question to demolish it without clearance from the Centre. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 was enacted for the preservation of sites of historical and cultural significance. Any monument which has been declared a 'Monument of National Importance' by virtue of this Act cannot be destroyed, damaged or altered. The ASI, which falls under the Union Ministry of Culture, maintains these monuments. Once notified under this Act, state governments and local governments are not allowed to change or demolish it. Only the Central Government, after due legal and administrative process, can decide to de-notify these sites.

What Has The Maharashtra Government Spoken?

At the inauguration of Maharashtra's first Shivaji Maharaj temple last month, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recognized public sentiments against Aurangzeb but said that legal restrictions stop any action against the tomb. "It is protected by the ASI, and we have to abide by the law," he said. But he assured that Maharashtra would glorify only Shivaji Maharaj, not Aurangzeb. In spite of political and popular pressure, Aurangzeb's tomb continues to be shielded by Indian law. The Maharashtra government has no right to destroy it since it is a Monument of National Importance under the ASI. Any action concerning its status can only be taken by the Central Government. The Nagpur violence has fueled the controversy, but legally, the demand is not possible under existing heritage laws