The Supreme Court on Friday issued a stern warning to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi over its failure to maintain the Gumti of Shaikh Ali, a 15th-century Lodhi-era monument in Defence Colony.
The bench, led by Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and S V N Bhatti, said the civic body’s conduct showed little respect for court directives.
Sharp Rebuke To MCD
Pointing to the double standards in upkeep, the judges remarked, “You will clean it in two hours if a dignitary is coming and keep the area spick and span. Is this the respect you show to our orders?”
The bench also questioned whether the MCD was trying to shift its responsibility to the archaeology department.
“It is very difficult to restrain ourselves but is this the way you behave? Is there any ego issue that you say the archaeology department will do?”
Court Commissioner’s Findings
The observations followed a report submitted by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who inspected the site as court commissioner. His report flagged continued neglect and highlighted that the earlier orders of the apex court had not been followed.
Taking note of this, the judges said there appeared to be “too much of a communication gap” between the court and MCD. They directed the municipal commissioner to be personally present the same day to hear the court’s order in person.
Commissioner Concedes Lapses
Appearing before the bench, the MCD commissioner admitted there had been a communication failure, particularly concerning a cemented patch near the monument. He assured the court that the problem would be resolved.
But the judges voiced disappointment at the delay.
“We have been constrained to pass this order as we have been giving sufficient leverage and latitude to the MCD to come clean by showing its bonafide but we find that our hopes have been dashed by the conduct and the stand taken by the MCD,” the order recorded.
Strict Directions Issued
The court instructed the commissioner to fix responsibility on errant officials and prepare an action plan to prevent further lapses. A senior officer must now visit the site daily, with progress updates sent to the court commissioner.
The matter will be taken up again on September 18, when the MCD is required to file a detailed compliance report, including the names of officers held accountable.
Case Origin
The proceedings trace back to a petition filed by Rajeev Suri, a resident of Defence Colony, who sought protection of the Gumti under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. After the Delhi High Court dismissed his plea in 2019, he approached the Supreme Court.
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