X Vs. STATE OF GOA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation was triggered by an article in The Times of India (Goa Edition) dtd. 25/5/2022 penned by Mr Rajendra Kerkar entitled "Laterite Quarrying 300m from Pansaimol petroglyphs threatens prehistoric rock art".

(2.) The above report is quoted verbatim for the convenience of reference:

(3.) Article 49 of the Constitution of India, a directive principle (which is fundamental in the governance of the country, and it shall be the duty of the State to apply this principle in making laws), provides that it shall be the obligation of the State to protect every monument or place or object of artistic or historic interest, (declared by or under law made by Parliament) to be of national importance, from spoilation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export, as the case may be. Further, Article 51-A(f) of the Constitution provides that every citizen of India shall value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture.