The Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court, comprising Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi and Justice Suman Shyam has directed the Assam State Government to expedite the process of recognizing Ahom Dynasty monuments as 'protected historical sites/monuments.' The court emphasized completing this exercise within six months, ensuring that these monuments are evaluated based on their authenticity, integrity, and archaeological significance.
The Gauhati High Court was hearing a Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) based on a newspaper report dated April 5, 2018. The report highlighted illegal activities by coal smugglers in the Tipam Hills area under Digboi Sub-Division, which led to the destruction of the historically significant Tipam Hills.
The State as well as the other respondents have submitted that the illegal mining activities carried out by the coal smugglers in the Tipam Hills under Digboi Sub-Division have now been stopped and regular monitoring is being done so that no illegal mining is carried out by the coal smugglers in the said area.
Senior Advocate T.J. Mahanta, serving as the Amicus Curiae, informed the court that no illegal activities have been reported in Tipam Hills for the past two years. However, he emphasized the need for the State Government to continue strict monitoring and supervision to ensure that coal smugglers do not resume their activities in the future.
During the proceedings of the Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning illegal mining in Tipam Hills, the Gauhati High Court addressed an additional issue regarding the protection of Ahom Dynasty monuments. On April 30, 2024, the Court directed the State Government to take necessary measures for their preservation. In response, the Director of the Directorate of Archaeology, Government of Assam, filed an affidavit on August 29, 2024, stating that a survey is underway to identify these historical monuments.
Taking into consideration the submission made on behalf of the Director, Directorate of Archaeology, the Court dispose of the PIL petition with a direction to the State to complete the said exercise expeditiously, preferably, within a period of 6(six) months from today and thereafter, to take effective measures for protection of the historical monuments relating to the Ahom Dynasty in the State of Assam.
The Court also directed the State Government as well as the other respondents to monitor and supervise the Tipam Hills Area to prevent illegal mining by the coal smugglers.
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