“The plea for archaeological investigation whether the structure could be declared a monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 is not conducted so far,” he said, asking the Bench not to give permission for vacation of the stay as was being sought by the Government.

Senior advocate F S Nariman, appearing for the Government, maintained that only one reply would be filed and the court should adjourn the matter for a final hearing.

The Centre had earlier withdrawn two of its affidavits, including one by the ASI where it had claimed that there was no historical or scientific evidence to establish the existence of Lord Ram and Ram Sethu as a man-made bridge.