Supreme Court Issues Contempt Notice to ASI Over Neglect of 173 Delhi Heritage Sites

The Supreme Court has issued a contempt of court notice to the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for failing to submit a status report on 173 protected monuments in Delhi.

The Bench termed the lapse a “deliberate violation” of the court's earlier order. The Court was hearing a petition regarding the encroachment of the Gumti of Shaikh Ali, a Lodhi-era monument.

The Bench expressed strong displeasure over incomplete surveys by the MCD and NDMC, mandating geo-mapping and updated photographs for every site to ensure proper maintenance.

[Rajeev Suri v. Archaeological Survey of India & Ors.]