- (1.) W.P. (C) No. 13381/1984: 1. In response to our order dated 14th October, 2011, affidavits have been filed on behalf of the Archaeological Survey of India as also the Government of Uttar Pradesh. We are constrained to observe that both the affidavits are far from satisfactory.
(2.) In the affidavit filed on behalf of the Archaeological Survey of India, it is stated that at regular intervals studies are conducted by the Survey of India and the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), Roorkee, to examine the vertically of the minarets of 'Taj Mahal'. According to the affidavit, in the report submitted by CBRI in the year 2007, after carrying out Geotechnical and Structural Investigation Survey at 'Taj Mahal' in the year 2005, no visible distress or dislocation has been noticed at the joints of floor and walls in the basement below Jasmine Floor. It is also stated that no change in the verticality of minarets, as compared to the data collected in the year 1965, has been noticed, though the minarets show slight outward inclination when compared with the survey conducted in the year 1940.
(3.) Insofar as the affidavit filed on behalf of the Government of Uttar Pradesh is concerned, we are dismayed to note that the desired information in relation to the level of water around the monument has not been furnished.;