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4w ago

Supreme Court Directs ASI Review of Mehrauli Shrines, DDA to Follow

Any further work will depend on an ASI assessment because the 12th–13th century sites lie in a regulated zone without central protection.

The order assumes significance as neither of the two structures is a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

Overview

  • Disposing of the appeals, Justices B. V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan asked the ASI to consider supervising repair and renovation of the Ashiq Allah Dargah and the Chillagah of Baba Farid.
  • The court directed the Delhi Development Authority to abide by the ASI’s decision before undertaking any demolition or alterations around the shrines.
  • An ASI status report notes the tomb inscription dating to 1317 AD and ongoing devotional use, while recording extensive modern alterations to the structures.
  • The sites are within 200 metres of the centrally protected citadel of Prithviraj Chauhan, meaning permissions under the AMASR Act are required for work in the area.
  • The petition by Zameer Ahmed Jumlana sought protection from demolition drives, and the bench cautioned that heritage claims cannot be used to shield unauthorised constructions.