Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to issue fresh notices to the unauthorized occupants in and around cave numbers 8, 9, and 11 at Khandagiri in Bhubaneswar, said sources.
The directions came after it was revealed that notices were last issued 23 years ago, with no follow-up action taken so far.
The court was hearing a petition by the Shree Khandagiri Udaygiri Digambara Jain Sidha Khetra, a Cuttack-based organization.
The petition sought intervention against unauthorised encroachment at the protected site of the ancient Jain monument on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, sources said.
The HC asked Khurda Collector to identify persons in unauthorised occupation of the areas in question and furnish information to the Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Bhubaneswar (Circle) within two weeks, sources added.
