Supreme Court Issues Strict Contempt Notice to ASI Over Delhi Heritage Sites Negligence
In a significant development concerning the preservation of national heritage, the Supreme Court of India has issued a contempt notice to the Director General (DG) of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for failing to comply with its earlier order directing the filing of a status report on 173 protected monuments in Delhi.
Bench and Case Details
A Bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and N Kotiswar Singh passed the order while hearing the matter titled Rajeev Suri vs Archaeological Survey of India & Ors. The case pertains to the alleged encroachment of the historic Gumti of Shaikh Ali, a Lodhi-era monument in Delhi.
The Court took serious note of ASI’s non-compliance with its earlier order dated February 2, 2026, which mandated inspection and submission of detailed reports on protected monuments.
Court’s Strong Observations
Expressing its displeasure, the Bench observed that the failure to file the report amounted to a wilful breach of its directions. The Court remarked:
“The Court takes strong exception to the deliberate violation of the order of this Court. Accordingly, notice is issued to the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India to show- cause, as to why, the Court may not initiate proceedings for contempt against him. He shall be personally present before the Court on the next date of listing along with his show-cause,”
The DG has been directed to appear in person and explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated.
Table of Contents
Submissions and Compliance Issues
Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, acting as Court Commissioner, informed the Bench that although 173 monuments fall under ASI’s jurisdiction, no affidavit had been filed by the agency.
The Court also scrutinized compliance by other authorities:
- The Delhi government’s archaeology department inspected 19 monuments but failed to provide complete details such as geo-mapping and location-specific data.
- The Court noted:
“Only a general statement has been made that there has been compliance on the issues indicated in the earlier orders. We direct for a further affidavit to be filed giving details of the 19 sites which according to the Department of Archaeology, GNCTD, comes within its jurisdiction and which have also been inspected,”
- The Municipal Corporation of Delhi surveyed only 62 out of 85 monuments, prompting the Court to direct submission of a detailed affidavit with photographs and complete particulars.
- The New Delhi Municipal Council surveyed merely 2 out of 54 monuments. The Court emphasized its role in coordination and supervision.
Directions Issued by the Court
The Bench mandated that all authorities must submit comprehensive, monument-wise affidavits including:
- Location and geo-mapping details
- Updated photographs
- Steps taken for preservation
The Court clarified:
“The Court makes it clear that with regard to every monument, the location and geo-mapping along with the up-to-date photographs shall mandatorily be placed on record besides the details on all other issues indicated in our previous order dated 02.02.2026,”
Additionally, the Court directed that historian Swapna Liddle be informed of earlier directions and requested her presence at the next hearing.
Gumti of Shaikh Ali Project
The Bench also reviewed development work around the Gumti of Shaikh Ali, being carried out by the Delhi government’s Tourism Department. While allowing the project to continue, the Court cautioned:
- The pace of work must be maintained
- The project must not become a commercial venture
- A status report must be filed
The Court Commissioner was designated as the nodal officer to ensure coordination among authorities.
Next Hearing
All affidavits are to be filed by April 10, 2026. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 13, 2026, at 3 PM.
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