Mumbai: The Western Railway announced the mega block from Churchgate station to Mumbai Central on Friday, March 21. Due to the megablock, some trains can be disrupted or arrive late on the platform. The megablock will be carried out on Sunday, March 23 from 10.35 AM to 3.35 PM. The jumbo block is aimed at doing the maintenance work of the tracks, signals and overhead equipment.

Megablock will be taken for the five hours between the major western railway stations, Churchgate and Mumbai Central. In the period of the block, the UP and Down fast lines will be affected between these stations as per the report by Media.

As per the press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, Vineet Abhishek, during the period of the block timings the all fast trains will be run on the slow track between Churchgate to Mumbai Central.

Throughout the mega block, some trains can be late and some trains will be short-terminated. The block effect will be seen in the busiest stations of the Western Railways in Mumbai.

Semi-Naked Drunk Sits On Mumbai Local Train Track

A video went viral on Instagram of the semi-naked man on the track in Mumbai’s Mahim station. The man was fully drunk during this activity wearing a lungi he started climbing on the crew’s compartment.

The crew member started using the stick to stop him. The intoxicated man then sat on the track and decided not to leave the track. Video went viral on social media, and it took a spotlight on Instagram. Many Instagram users reacted differently to the post. Due to this activity, the local train faced a delay from the Mahim station.

Mumbai: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar introduced the Maharashtra Tax, Interest, Penalty, or Late Fee (Settlement of Arrears Payable by Public Sector Undertakings) Bill, 2025 in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

This bill proposes a special amnesty scheme to help public sector enterprises clear their outstanding dues efficiently, ensuring that pending revenues are deposited in the state treasury and used for development projects.

The scheme will benefit public sector enterprises under both the Central and state governments. It covers various state taxes that were in effect before the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced. Currently, public sector enterprises owe around Rs25,000 crore in outstanding dues.

To speed up recovery, the government will offer special concessions under this scheme. The settlement window will remain open from the bill’s enactment until December 31, 2025.

Nagpur: The recent violence in Nagpur, triggered by demands for the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra’s Khuldabad, has intensified debates over the monument’s existence. Clashes erupted on March 17 after protests by Bajrang Dal and VHP, who called for the removal of the tomb, citing Aurangzeb’s oppressive rule. The unrest escalated, leading to violent confrontations, police injuries and curfews in affected areas.

However, despite the growing demand, the Maharashtra government does not have the legal authority to demolish the tomb. The site is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 1958, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), making its demolition legally impossible without central approval.

What is the AMASR Act, 1958?

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 was enacted to preserve sites of historical and cultural significance. Under this Act, any monument classified as a ‘Monument of National Importance’ is protected from alteration, damage or destruction. The ASI, which functions under the Union Ministry of Culture, is responsible for maintaining these monuments.

Once a monument is notified under this Act, neither state governments nor local authorities can modify or demolish it. Only the Central Government, through a detailed legal and administrative process, can decide to de-notify such sites.

Why Is Aurangzeb’s Tomb A Protected Monument?

Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, died in 1707 in Ahmednagar (now Ahilya Nagar) and was buried in Khuldabad near the dargah of Sheikh Zainuddin, his spiritual guide. His tomb is considered historically and culturally significant for several reasons:

– Historical Importance – Aurangzeb ruled for nearly 50 years, shaping India’s political and cultural history. His burial site remains part of India’s historical heritage.

– Architectural Value – Unlike grand Mughal tombs, Aurangzeb’s simple resting place reflects his lifestyle and is an example of minimalist Mughal architecture.

– Cultural Significance – The tomb is part of the larger Khuldabad complex, which houses several important Sufi shrines and historical figures’ graves.

– Preservation of Heritage – The ASI protects such sites to maintain historical integrity and prevent the destruction of India’s cultural legacy.

Can the Maharashtra Government Order Its Demolition?

No, the Maharashtra government cannot order the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb because:

1. It is a National Monument – The site is classified under the AMASR Act, making it a Monument of National Importance.

2. Only the Central Government Has Authority – The state government has no jurisdiction to alter or de-notify the tomb. Any such decision lies with the Union Ministry of Culture.

3. Legal Consequences – Any attempt to demolish the tomb would be unlawful and could lead to legal action against the state government.

4. International Reputation – Destroying a protected historical site could damage India’s global image as a country that values its diverse heritage.

What Has The Maharashtra Government Said?

During the inauguration of Maharashtra’s first Shivaji Maharaj temple earlier this month, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged public sentiments against Aurangzeb but stated that legal constraints prevent any action against the tomb. “It is protected by the ASI, and we must follow the law,” he said. However, he assured that Maharashtra would only glorify Shivaji Maharaj, not Aurangzeb.

Despite political and public pressure, Aurangzeb’s tomb remains protected under Indian law. The Maharashtra government lacks the authority to demolish it, as it is a Monument of National Importance under the ASI. Any decision regarding its status rests solely with the Central Government. The Nagpur violence has intensified the debate, but legally, the demand remains unfeasible under current heritage laws.