Court Registers PIL Over Alarming Degradation of Historic Walled City, Urges Immediate Measures to Safeguard UNESCO World Heritage Status
In a significant move aimed at preserving the cultural and historical heritage of Jaipur, popularly known as the "Pink City," the Rajasthan High Court has taken suo motu cognizance regarding the alarming degradation of the city's historic Walled City. The bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay K. Agrawal and Justice Sameer Jain initiated the proceedings based on a detailed newspaper report published by Rajasthan Patrika on September 27, 2026, highlighting pressing issues concerning the preservation, protection, and maintenance of Jaipur's global identity.
The court's attention was further drawn to the earlier decisions and draft resolutions of the World Heritage Committee from 2025, which underscored concerns about the deteriorating condition of the heritage site. Jaipur was accorded the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2019, a recognition that now faces potential jeopardy due to ongoing degradation and neglect.
Expressing deep concern, the court noted the "grave and imminent necessity" for immediate, effective, and concrete steps to protect the city's heritage status. Recognizing the wide public importance of the issue, the court directed the registry to formally register the matter as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to ensure judicial oversight and prompt action.
Notice was issued to the State of Rajasthan and other concerned respondents. The Advocate General, appearing on behalf of the respondents, accepted the notice and sought two weeks' time to file a detailed reply. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing in the week commencing October 26, 2026.
This judicial intervention reflects the court's proactive stance in safeguarding India's invaluable heritage assets. The preservation of Jaipur's historic Walled City is not only essential for maintaining its unique cultural identity but also critical for sustaining tourism and local livelihoods linked to its heritage status.
Bottom Line:
Suo motu PIL - Preservation, protection and maintenance of the global identity of Jaipur as the "Pink City" and safeguarding its UNESCO World Heritage Site status - High Court, on basis of newspaper report and World Heritage Committee material, expressed deep concern over alarming degradation of the historic Walled City of Jaipur and directed registration of suo motu cognizance as Public Interest Litigation, issued notice to respondents and granted time to State to file reply.
Statutory provision(s): Suo Motu Public Interest Litigation, UNESCO World Heritage Convention (international), Civil Procedure Code (regarding PIL and notices)
