Date:10/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/10/stories/2008071054540500.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Bidar Fort: ASI files appeal in court

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has filed an appeal in the Karnataka High Court against a single judge order dismissing its petition against the grant of land near the famed mediaeval fort of Bidar.

The State Government and the ASI had petitioned the High Court against an order of the Bidar Land Grant Tribunal granting land near the Bidar fort. The State had contended that the land was granted despite opposition from the Assistant Commissioner who is a member of the tribunal.

On its part, the ASI said no part of the fort or fort land could have been granted.

The ASI said it is in exclusive charge of the maintenance and upkeep of the fort built by the Bahman Shahs who ruled over vast areas of north Karnataka, including the districts of Bijapur, Gulbarga, Bidar, Ahmednagar and other areas.

It said that the Fort and the fort land are protected areas and that nobody or no agency could tamper with it or grant it.

The ASI said the single judge had rejected its petition, saying that it is not maintainable.