The court’s observations painted a grim picture of the current state of affairs, noting that the hallowed soil of Haldighati is now frequently littered with liquor bottles and refuse. Perhaps most distressing was the court’s highlight of Rakta Talai—the site where the warriors of Mewar made their ultimate sacrifice—which has reportedly transformed into a haunt for anti-social elements after dark. Presiding over the matter, the bench categorized the presence of open sewage, unauthorized leveling of historic hills, and unchecked encroachments as direct violations of Article 21 and Article 49 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee the right to a clean environment and the protection of monuments of national importance.
In a series of sweeping interim directions, the High Court has imposed an immediate and absolute moratorium on any new construction or expansion within the protected zones without explicit judicial approval. To address the immediate environmental crisis, the administration has been granted a strict 15-day deadline to execute a comprehensive sanitation drive to remove weeds and garbage. Furthermore, the court has mandated 24-hour security deployments and the appointment of dedicated caretakers to prevent further desecration. Parking on the historic slopes has been prohibited, and heavy fines are to be levied against anyone found littering. The bench also demanded accountability regarding the 'Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit' announced in the 2024 budget, questioning why the project remains stalled on paper while the physical sites crumble.
By issuing formal notices to the Central and State governments, as well as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the High Court has signaled that it will no longer tolerate the "dereliction of duty" displayed by local authorities. Legal experts and heritage advocates have hailed the decision as a landmark moment for cultural conservation in India. Beyond mere infrastructure, the court’s resolve seeks to restore the solemnity of a battlefield that remains a cornerstone of Indian identity, ensuring that the legacy of 1576 is preserved not as a neglected relic, but as a dignified monument to sacrifice and sovereignty.
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