The Supreme Court on Tuesday rapped the Uttar Pradesh government for failing to explain whether water supply for the wooden foundation of the Taj Mahal was sufficient to prevent any damage to the monument.
The apex court bench of Justice D.K. Jain and Justice Anil R. Dave had issued notice to the government taking suo motu cognisance of some newspaper reports which expressed fears that lack of water for the foundation was affecting the monument.
The court asked if there was sufficient water for the foundation and, if not, what steps were being taken to address the situation.
The court expressed dissatisfaction with the Uttar Pradesh government's reply saying "the monument is in your state. But it is the duty of the Supreme Court to protect it".
The court also sought a report from the Archaeological Survey of India listing the points raised by other agencies which regularly inspect the monument.
The case would he heard next after four weeks.