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Legal framework on heritage protection in India

Publication date: 29.06.2024

Gdansk Journal of East Asian Studies, 2024, Issue 25, pp. 157 - 172

https://doi.org/10.4467/23538724GS.24.012.19871

Authors

Debarati Pal
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies
, India
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8986-9797 Orcid
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Titles

Legal framework on heritage protection in India

Abstract

The article describes the national and municipal legislations on built and living heritage, antiquities and art treasures and explores the national framework for conserving Intangible Cultural Heritage in India. It maps the transcendence from the pre-independence Acts to the post-independence legislation and amendments. The roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders, including the community were examined.

The text serves as a comprehensive guide to the constitutional background of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1904, the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958, and the National Policy for Conservation of the Ancient Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Remains, 2014. The text also examines the roles and responsibilities of various bodies, such as State Heritage Boards, Heritage Development Authorities and Councils, in conserving ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains. It also highlights the functional interface of these bodies with the Municipal Development Authority and Municipal Corporation under the Town and Country Planning Acts, which play a crucial role in implementing these policies. Moreover, the text delves into the impact of the Supreme Court’s judicial decisions on the legislative framework, providing a real-world context and making the text more engaging by illustrating how the law is applied in practice.

Alternatively, in the executive domain, the role of the Central Government, National Monuments Authority, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Indian Trust for Architectural and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is discussed to calibrate the notions of inclusivity and community participation. Under the tangible category, the movable heritage properties posited under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act of 1972 are also examined.

In the realm of Intangible cultural heritage, the article explores the role of the Sangeet Natak Akademi in granting protection and inventorising the Intangible Cultural Heritage of India.

References

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Legal acts

The Bengal Charitable Endowments, Public Buildings and Escheats Regulation, 1810

The Religious Endowments Act, 1863

The Treasure Trove Act, 1878

The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904

The Export and Import Control Act, 1947

The Constitution of India, 1950

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

The Customs Act, 1962

Gujarat Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1965

The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972

Delhi Urban Acts Commission Act 1973

The Information Technology Act, 2000

Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 2004

INTACH Charter for the Conservation of Unprotected Architectural Heritage and Sites in India, 2004

The National Commission for Heritage Sites Bill, 2009

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains AMASR (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010

The Jammu and Kashmir Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act, 2010

Punjab Ancient, Historical Monuments, Archaeological Sites, and Cultural Heritage Maintenance Board Act, 2013

National Policy for Conservation of Ancient Monuments, 2014

The Arunachal Pradesh Heritage Act, 2015

The Telangana Heritage (Protection, Preservation, Conservation, and Maintenance) Act, 2017

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and. Remains (Amendment) Act, 2017

Cases

Rajeev Suri vs Union of India SC 2021

Sarika vs. Administrator, Mahakaleshwar Mandir Committee, Ujjain MP SC 2020

M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India (UOI) and Ors SC 2019

S.N. Bhardwaj vs. Archaeological Survey of India and Ors SC 2016

Information

Information: Gdansk Journal of East Asian Studies, 2024, Issue 25, pp. 157 - 172

Article type: Original article

Titles:

English: Legal framework on heritage protection in India
Polish: Ramy prawne ochrony dziedzictwa w Indiach

Authors

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8986-9797

Debarati Pal
University of Petroleum and Energy Studies
, India
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8986-9797 Orcid
All publications →

University of Petroleum and Energy Studies
India

Published at: 29.06.2024

Article status: Open

Licence: CC BY  licence icon

Percentage share of authors:

Debarati Pal (Author) - 100%

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English

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Legal framework on heritage protection in India