Kathmandu, October 3 The Supreme Court today issued an interim order, asking the government to immediately halt demolition of Bag Durbar, which had suffered damage in the 2015 earthquakes. Advocates of Pro-public and heritage conservationists had filed a writ petition at SC yesterday, demanding that the demolition of the building be halted. The SC stated that the building could not be demolished as it had archaeological value. The building, which is believed to have been built between 1803 and 1804 houses the office of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. After the 2015 earthquakes, KMC had proposed to demolish the building and rebuild three modern structures. Ancient Monument Preservation Act states that buildings older than 100 years must be preserved in its original state. Kathmandu Metropolitan City has started moving all its 13 departments and divisions that are operating from the first floor of the building. KMC officials are preparing to start demolition of the building before Dashain. Spokesperson for KMC Gyanendra Karki said contractor had also been finalised for the purpose. KMC began the process of demolition of the building on the basis of a letter written by Department of Archaeology on May 29. DoA, a body responsible for preserving all archaeologically important heritage sites had issued a letter stating that KMC could demolish the building and restore it to its original form. Local activists have been protesting the DoA decision since, saying once demolished the building cannot be restored to its original form. Conservationist Sanjay Adhikari, who is also one of the writ petitioners, said the court had warded off the immediate threat to the building.