Delhi HC Dismisses Sultana Begum's Plea for Possession of Red Fort Due to Delay

Sultana Begum, claiming to be the widow of the great-grandson of Bahadur Shah Zafar II, sought possession of the Red Fort, alleging illegal occupation by the British post-1857. She demanded compensation, arguing her family was unjustly deprived of the property.

In December 2021, a single-judge bench dismissed her plea, stating the claim was not maintainable due to a 164-year delay. On Friday, the Delhi High Court also rejected her appeal, citing a 900-day delay in filing the appeal.

The Court emphasized the claim was barred by limitation and dismissed her explanations for the delay, including health issues and personal loss.