The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre on a plea filed by former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Subramanian Swamy, urging the Union government to grant Ram Setu the status of a national monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta sought a response from the Union of India and the Archaeological Survey of India, making the notice returnable within four weeks. Senior Advocate Vibha Makhija appeared on behalf of Swamy, citing his medical condition.

Swamy’s petition argues that the government has a constitutional obligation to protect Ram Setu from misuse, pollution, or desecration, emphasizing its significance as a sacred pilgrimage site for millions. The plea also cites archaeological studies and scientific evidence supporting the claim that Ram Setu is a man-made structure of historical and religious importance.

Ram Setu, also known as Adam’s Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals connecting Pamban Island (Rameswaram) off the Tamil Nadu coast with Mannar Island in Sri Lanka. Mentioned in the Ramayana, it is believed to have been built by Lord Rama and his allies to reach Lanka and rescue Sita. According to Swamy, the bridge remained usable on foot until around 1480 AD when storms rendered it impassable.

The petition invokes Sections 3 and 4 of the Ancient Monuments Act, stating the government’s duty to notify monuments of national importance. It also seeks surveys by the Geological Survey of India and the Archaeological Survey of India.

The matter has a long history before the apex court. In January 2023, the Supreme Court recorded Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s statement that the issue was under consideration by the Ministry of Culture and allowed Swamy to submit additional material. Following this, Swamy submitted representations on January 27, 2023, and May 13, 2025, but received no response.

Another petition filed by Swamy, challenging the Sethu Samudram Ship Channel project to prevent damage to Ram Setu, is also pending. The project proposes an 83-kilometre channel linking Mannar and the Palk Strait through extensive dredging, which, according to Swamy, threatens the historic structure.

The Supreme Court has posted the matter for hearing after four weeks.