Supreme Court Orders Enforcement of Protected Monument Restrictions at Delhi Golf Club, Keeps Coercive Action on Hold

May 28, 2026 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed immediate enforcement of statutory restrictions around protected monuments situated within and adjoining the Delhi Golf Club (DGC) premises, while ordering sealing of structures and activities allegedly operating in violation of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958. However, following objections raised by the Delhi Golf Club, the Court later kept the coercive directions in abeyance till the next date of hearing.

A Bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and N. Kotiswar Singh passed the directions while hearing a matter concerning preservation, conservation and protection of historical monuments and archaeological structures in Delhi.

The Court specifically ordered immediate enforcement of the 100-metre prohibited area surrounding the ASI-protected monuments Lal Bangla I and Lal Bangla II located near the entrance of the Delhi Golf Club premises. Referring to Section 20A of the AMASR Act, the Bench directed that no activity whatsoever be permitted within the prohibited zone and ordered sealing of all structures and operations functioning inside the restricted area.

The directions came after the Bench examined a spot inspection and survey report submitted by Court Commissioners led by Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan along with Advocates Nipun Saxena and Vishal Sinha.

According to the report, portions of the DGC kitchen complex were found operating barely three metres away from the protected monument. The report noted the existence of permanent constructions, hot boilers, chimneys, heavy exhaust systems, water tanks and commercial kitchen infrastructure within the prohibited area surrounding Lal Bangla I and II. The Court Commissioners reportedly recommended immediate removal of the kitchenette structures adjacent to the monuments, observing that such activities posed a serious threat to preservation and structural integrity of the protected sites.

Apart from Lal Bangla I and II, the Supreme Court also directed that no activity be carried out within a 20-metre radius of nine other historical structures situated inside the Delhi Golf Club premises. The Bench clarified that although these structures are not presently notified as protected monuments under the AMASR Act, they still require preservation and protection against encroachment, deterioration and degradation.

Expressing concern over the state of the monuments, the Court observed that photographs annexed to the Commissioner’s report reflected extensive neglect and absence of basic conservation measures. The Bench recorded that most of the structures were in a dilapidated condition and lacked even minimum restoration or preservation efforts.

The Court further noted that conservation work had reportedly been undertaken only in respect of four out of 10 monuments through the Aga Khan Trust, while the remaining structures showed no visible signs of restoration, maintenance or structural protection.

Directing immediate compliance, the Supreme Court authorised the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to implement the directions with assistance from the Delhi Police wherever necessary. The Bench made the NDMC Chairperson and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, personally responsible for ensuring compliance with the Court’s orders.

The Court also issued notice to the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), asking why appropriate proceedings should not be initiated for alleged administrative inaction and failure to discharge statutory duties relating to preservation of monuments under ASI supervision.

During the hearing, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the Delhi Golf Club, opposed immediate implementation of the directions and sought time to respond to the Court Commissioner’s report. Sibal argued that certain constructions inside the club dated back to 1952, prior to enactment of the AMASR Act in 1958, and submitted that sealing the entrance and surrounding areas would severely disrupt functioning of the club.

The Bench noted that it had earlier indicated on May 11 that stringent directions could follow after submission of the Commissioner’s report. However, taking note of the submissions made on behalf of the Delhi Golf Club, the Court granted what it described as an “extraordinary indulgence” and temporarily kept the coercive directions in abeyance pending further consideration.

The matter has now been listed for further hearing on July 22, 2026.

The proceedings originated from a petition filed by Delhi resident Rajeev Suri seeking protection of the Gumti of Shaikh Ali in Defence Colony, which was later declared a protected monument pursuant to earlier directions issued by the Supreme Court.