HC dismisses plea on Taj Mahal, pulls up petitioner

One-liner: The Allahabad HC on Thursday dismissed a plea seeking a fact-finding inquiry into the history of the Taj Mahal and the opening of 22 rooms on the monument's premises.

Failed to point out: It said the petitioner failed to point out which of his legal or constitutional rights were being infringed.

Lawyer pulled up: The Lucknow bench pulled up the lawyer of petitioner Rajneesh Singh, who is the media in charge of the BJP's Ayodhya unit, for filing the PIL in a casual manner.

Article 226: It said Article 226 of the Constitution empowers a High Court to issue to any person or authority in the area under its jurisdiction orders or writs to enforce the fundamental rights.

Fresh plea idea: The petitioner's lawyer Rudra Vikram Singh urged the court to permit him to withdraw the petition and file a fresh plea, but the bench did not accept his request and dismissed the petition.

Probe into Taj Mahal history: The writ petition was filed on Saturday in the registry of the Lucknow bench of the High Court by Rajneesh Singh seeking a fact-finding inquiry into the history of the Taj Mahal.

Lord Shiva temple: It also sought the opening of the doors of its 22 rooms to see the truth, whatever it is. Several Hindu outfits have claimed that the Mughal-era mausoleum was previously a Lord Shiva temple.

Source: PTI