Maharashtra Government has directed the police department to provide security to the national monuments, whenever the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) asks for it.
According to a Government Resolution (GR), ASI looks after 3,680 monuments across the country, out of which at 955 monuments religious rituals are being held (by general public).
The Centre has decided not to give permission for conducting religious rituals at those ASI monuments, where such events were not being held earlier.
"In such circumstances, there are instances of rituals being forcibly done. ASI has to seek help from police and district administration," the GR said.
The resolution said if assistance is sought by the ASI, it should be given immediately and all steps should be taken to maintain law and order in premises of important national monuments.
