Supreme Court Pulls Up Delhi Authorities Over Neglect of Heritage Monuments, Warns Police of Action

May 9, 2026 : The Supreme Court has sharply criticised the alleged neglect, encroachment and deterioration of several historical monuments and heritage structures in Delhi, questioning how ancient sites could be leased or handed over to private entities such as the Delhi Golf Club and Panchsheel Public School.

A Bench comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice N Kotiswar Singh issued strict directions to the Delhi Police to ensure protection and preservation of heritage monuments across the national capital. The Court warned that Station House Officers (SHOs) of concerned police stations could face suspension if encroachments, vandalism, theft or destruction of protected structures continued under their jurisdiction.

The observations came during the hearing of a long-pending matter concerning the restoration and preservation of heritage monuments in Delhi. The Bench examined a report submitted by noted historian Dr Swapna Liddle, which highlighted widespread encroachments, pilferage, structural damage and administrative neglect of several historical sites. The report was accompanied by photographic evidence placed before the Court.

The proceedings initially began in connection with the restoration of a Lodhi-era Gumti structure. Over time, the scope of the case expanded to include several neglected monuments of historical importance across Delhi. The Supreme Court had earlier appointed Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan as Court Commissioner along with Dr Liddle, former convener of the Delhi chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), to conduct a detailed survey of such structures.

During earlier hearings, the Court Commissioner had identified various monuments and the authorities responsible for their upkeep. Dr Liddle was subsequently directed to point out urgent issues requiring immediate judicial intervention.

After reviewing the report and photographs, the Bench observed that despite prohibitory orders protecting several monuments, illegal encroachments, theft of artefacts and damage to heritage structures continued unchecked. The Court particularly noted that certain monuments under the jurisdiction of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), which had reportedly been leased to the Delhi Golf Club, appeared to have been completely neglected.

Expressing serious concern, the Bench observed that the NDMC had failed to properly supervise the maintenance and preservation obligations attached to these heritage properties. The Court described the conduct of the authorities as gross negligence and an abdication of statutory responsibilities relating to heritage conservation.

The Apex Court directed the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, to immediately issue instructions to all concerned SHOs for the protection of monuments and heritage structures against encroachment, theft, mutilation, vandalism and unlawful damage. The Bench further clarified that any failure to comply with the Court’s directions could result in suspension of the concerned SHO. The Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the respective jurisdictions were also made personally responsible for ensuring compliance.

Additionally, the Court directed the Chairperson of the NDMC to remain personally present on the next date of hearing and explain the steps taken to monitor heritage properties leased to private entities and ensure their proper preservation.

The Supreme Court also sought an explanation from the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) regarding the circumstances under which the 14th-century Kharbooze ka Gumbad in Sheikh Sarai had allegedly been handed over to Panchsheel Public School at Sadhana Enclave. The Bench asked the authorities to disclose the terms governing the preservation and maintenance of the monument and explain why no corrective measures had been taken if the structure had fallen into neglect.