The Archaeological Survey of India has informed the Supreme Court that two structures within the Mehrauli Archaeological Park hold religious significance, as Muslim devotees visit them daily.
The structures in question are the Ashiq Allah Dargah and the Chillagah of Baba Farid, a revered 13th-century Sufi saint.
In a report submitted to the court, the ASI stated that an inscription on the tomb of Shaikh Shahibuddin (Ashiq Allah) indicates it was constructed in 1317 AD. The ASI acknowledged that structural modifications and alterations for conservation purposes had impacted the site’s historical integrity.
The report further noted that the tomb is located near the citadel of Prithviraj Chauhan and lies within the regulated 200-meter zone as per the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. This means any repair, renovation, or construction must be carried out with prior approval from the competent authority.
The ASI also highlighted the religious significance of the 2 structures, stating that devotees regularly visit the Ashiq Allah Dargah to light lamps for the fulfillment of wishes and visit the Chillagah to rid themselves of evil spirits and bad omens. These sites are deeply associated with the religious sentiments of a particular community.
Supreme Court heard a petition filed by Zameer Ahmed Jumlana, who is seeking protection for these centuries-old religious structures in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park. He has raised concerns over the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) plan to demolish the structures under the pretext of removing encroachments without evaluating their historical importance.
Jumlana has appealed against a February 8 Delhi High Court order, which suggested that the Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena-led Religious Committee could address the issue. He argues that the committee is not the proper forum to assess the antiquity of these structures.
