Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance

Article 49 — Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance

Protection of monuments and places and objects of national importance.—It shall be the obligation of the State to protect every monument or place or object of artistic or historic interest, 1[declared by or under law made by Parliament] to be of national importance, from spoliation, disfigurement, destruction, removal, disposal or export, as the case may be.

Plain English Summary

This article makes it a duty for the State (the government) to safeguard any monument, place, or object that is considered important for its art or history. This protection means stopping anyone from stealing, damaging, destroying, removing, selling, or exporting such items if they are deemed nationally significant.

Key Points

The State has a mandatory duty to protect monuments and objects of national importance.
This protection covers preventing theft, damage, destruction, removal, disposal, or export.
A law made by Parliament must declare which monuments qualify as being of national importance.
The obligation is placed on the State government.

Why It Matters

This article ensures that India's valuable historical and cultural heritage sites are preserved for future generations and are not illegally taken or destroyed.

Landmark Judgements

No major landmark judgements.