GUWAHATI: The Supreme Court on Friday, September 13, dismissed a plea seeking the declaration of Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, as a World Heritage City.
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A Bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih questioned the basis of the request, expressing uncertainties about its practical benefits.
"Will the city become cleaner after being declared a World Heritage City?" Justice Oka questioned, noting that the petitioner had failed to provide any substantial justification for how such a designation would benefit Agra.
The court was in session for a series of petitions related to environmental clearances for development projects around the Taj Mahal. Despite the counsel's request for more time to support the plea, the Bench rejected the application, emphasising that there is no clear provision for declaring an entire city as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
UNESCO typically designates specific landmarks or areas for their cultural or historical significance.
