SC stumped with 'dirty socks, algae' response to Taj Mahal changing colour

The Supreme Court was evidently left stunned with the reply of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which told the top court that the pristine white of Taj Mahal is turning brown and green because of dirty socks and algae.

The court on Wednesday slammed the ASI for failing to protect and preserve the iconic Taj Mahal from discolouration.

ASI is quoted to have said, "The floor in parts of the Taj is dirty because of people walking there. We don't give socks to everyone, only those who don't have, the rest go in their own socks."

The court has also expressed concern over the historic site being infected by insects and asked the authorities, including the ASI, what steps they have taken to prevent the same.