SC asks ASI for response on protection of ancient structures in Mehrauli Park

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday included the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as a respondent in a plea seeking protection of centuries-old religious structures on the premises of the Mehrauli Archaeological Park in the national capital, including the 14th century Ashiq Allah Dargah, which dates back to 1317 AD, and the Chillagah of Baba Farid.

The Supreme Court has also sought status reports from the ASI and the National Monument Authority (NMA) in the matter.

A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, passed the order after hearing a special leave petition challenging the Delhi High Court order that refused to issue specific directions for protection of the structures.

During proceedings on Monday, the Supreme Court indicated that it would like to include the ASI as a party in the case. Justice Khanna said, “They should indicate which monuments are old and which are newly built.”

At this stage, senior counsel Siddharth Luthra, appearing for the plaintiffs, informed the court that the NMA has become a party in this manner.

The court has determined that the case will be heard in the week of September 23, 2024. The ASI and the NMA are allowed to visit the location and submit a status report, which can also be submitted to the religious committee.

The petition before the Delhi High Court raised fears that the centuries-old Dargah in Mehrauli area will be demolished by the Delhi Development Authority after the 600-year-old Akhonji Mosque was demolished by the agency in January.