The Supreme Court has ordered the Department of Archaeology, Delhi to constitute within a week, a committee to initiate the process for restoration of Lodhi-era Shaikh Ali ‘Gumti’, a 500-year-old tomb of archaeological importance, which was under the illegal occupation of the Defence Colony Residents Welfare Association (DCRWA) for 60 years.
The Bench of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah further issued notice to the Residents Welfare Association on February 18.
The DCRWA was directed to file an affidavit within three weeks, stating how much cost they should pay for unauthorised occupying of the building for 60 years.
Pursuant to an order of the Apex Court dated January 21, 2025, the DCRWA handed over the possession of the ancient tomb to the Land & Development Office, Ministry of Urban Affairs, Government of India, after removing its furniture and fixtures.
The exercise of handing over the possession of the monument was done in the presence of a Senior Advocate and Court-appointed Commissioner, Gopal Shankarnarayan.
During the course of hearing on Tuesday, Shankarnarayan apprised the Bench that an unauthorised parking area was being operated on the appurtenant land.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) gave the contract for parking. At present, the ongoing contract has expired.
The Apex Court directed that the contract for the parking shall not be renewed until further orders.
The Bench was further informed that another parking was being operated by the MCD in the peripheral area. As per the Court, it had blocked access to the monument for the general public.
The top court of the country directed the MCD to take every possible step to remove the parking as early as possible.
It further notice to the MCD to remain present in the next hearing and inform the Bench about the steps they proposed to take to remove the encroachment.
Pursuant to the January 21 order of the Apex Court, the Department of Archeology, Delhi, suggested the constitution of a Committee for the conservation and restoration of the 500-year-old Gumti.
The Bench directed the department on February 18 to constitute a Committee within a week and inform the Court of the progress in the next hearing on March 25.