Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court has ruled that only photographers with valid licenses from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) can conduct photography business on the premises of the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha’s Puri district.
The decision, delivered by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Chakradhar Sharan Singh and Justice Savitri Ratho, reaffirms a 2022 verdict by a single-judge bench. The court emphasized that ASI-licensed photographers are the only individuals permitted to operate professionally at the 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The ruling came in response to a petition by 154 unlicensed photographers who challenged the January 2022 decision. These photographers argued that they had been working at the Sun Temple for decades and requested a one-time exemption from the ASI’s matriculation qualification requirement for obtaining licenses.
The ASI, however, maintained its stance, stating that the matriculation criterion is part of a uniform national policy regulating photographers at historical monuments. The court upheld the ASI’s policy, denying the request for exceptions.
In 2015, a group of 10 ASI-licensed photographers filed a petition, claiming that unregulated photography activities at the temple were negatively impacting their livelihood. The single-judge bench had ruled in their favor, mandating that only licensed photographers be allowed to operate at the temple.
Currently, only 10 photographers hold valid ASI licenses to work at the site, ensuring compliance with national regulations for preserving heritage and maintaining professional standards.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding the sanctity and historical significance of the Sun Temple while providing fair opportunities for those who meet the prescribed qualifications. It also highlights the need for adherence to uniform policies in managing activities at India’s cultural and historical landmarks.
