New Delhi: Taking serious note of non-compliance with its earlier directions, the Supreme Court of India has issued a contempt notice to the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for failing to submit a detailed report on the conservation status of 173 protected heritage sites in the national capital.
A Bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and N Kotiswar Singh directed the ASI chief to appear in person at the next hearing along with a show-cause response, warning of possible contempt proceedings for what it termed a “deliberate violation” of its order.
The court observed that while the Delhi government’s archaeology department had inspected 19 monuments and reported partial compliance, key aspects such as location mapping and geo-tagging remained incomplete. It also criticised the lack of detailed, monument-wise updates and directed authorities to file a comprehensive affidavit with up-to-date photographs and specific action taken for each site.
The Bench further noted lapses by civic bodies. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has surveyed only 62 out of 85 identified monuments, with several aspects still pending, while the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has inspected just two of the 54 monuments under its jurisdiction.
Emphasising the need for coordinated efforts, the court said NDMC must actively work with other agencies to ensure proper maintenance and monitoring of heritage structures. It added that future directions would be issued based on coordination mechanisms proposed by the civic bodies.
The matter stems from a petition filed by Rajeev Suri, raising concerns over encroachment at the Gumti of Shaikh Ali, a Lodhi-era monument located in Delhi’s Defence Colony.
