NEW DELHI, July 11 (Xinhua) -- India's top court Wednesday slammed federal government and local government of Uttar Pradesh for what it termed their "lethargy" in taking steps to protect the iconic Taj Mahal, officials said.
The Supreme Court directed the federal government to furnish complete details of the steps taken and action required for protecting the monument.
"Either we will shut down the Taj or you demolish or restore it," the court in its snub said.
The court made the observations while hearing a petition that calls for proper maintenance of marble mausoleum, an attraction that brings in tens of thousands of tourists from India and abroad every year.
The apex court also expressed anguish over Uttar Pradesh government's failure to come out with a vision document to preserve and protect the Taj Mahal.
The judges said the case would be heard on a day-to-day basis from July 31.
The ivory-white marble mausoleum, completed in 1653, was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is the biggest draw for tourists in India.
