Supreme Court Warns Delhi Police Over Monument Neglect, Questions Private Leasing

The Supreme Court has issued a stern warning to the Delhi Police Commissioner, directing all local SHOs to protect Delhi’s heritage sites from encroachment, theft, and vandalism.

The Bench ruled that any dereliction of duty would lead to suspension, with senior officials held personally liable.

The Court expressed "surprise" over historical monuments being leased to private entities like the Delhi Golf Club and Panchsheel Public School.

Criticizing the NDMC for "gross negligence" in supervising these sites, the Bench ordered the NDMC Chairperson to appear personally on May 11 to explain the lack of oversight regarding heritage preservation.

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