Realising the quantum of political damage that the issue could cause, the government on Friday withdrew the two affidavits regarding the Setusamudram project case from the Supreme Court. In its affidavits the government had questioned the existence of Lord Rama and Ram Setu as a man-made bridge and promised to review the project, in a bid to save the underwater structure connecting India with Sri Lanka.
In an effort to pacify Hindu sentiments and to contain a Sangh Parivar-led backlash, additional solicitor general (ASG) Gopal Subramanium, appearing on behalf of the government, said, ?The central government has total respect for all religions, and Hinduism in particular, in the context of the present case. The central government is alive and conscious of religious sensibilities, including the unique, ancient and holy text of Ramayana.?
?Having regard to public sentiments and having regard to the fact that representations, including additional material, are being brought to the attention of the government since the filing of this (ASI) affidavit, the Centre, without any reservation, in a spirit of inclusiveness and high democratic tradition, to consider a different point of view, withdraws the present affidavit, to re-examine the entire matter,? Subramanium told the court.
A bench headed by chief justice KG Balakrishnan which took on record the submission of the ASG that government will consider the suggestions and representations of all the petitioners in ?true democratic spirit on the mechanism to clear the project?, posted the matter for hearing in the first week of January 2008.
The bench, which granted three months to the Centre to re-examine the entire materials to review the Rs 2087-crore project, continued operation of its August 31 interim order putting on hold the demolition of Rama Setu.
Meanwhile, the government sought permission that it should be allowed to continue with its current dredging activities, which the court permitted.
