The Supreme Court of India has issued a contempt notice to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for its failure to protect and conserve several centrally protected monuments in Delhi. The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, was hearing a contempt petition alleging the ASI had not complied with the court's previous orders to secure and maintain these sites.
The court noted that the ASI had not taken adequate steps to prevent encroachments and vandalism at monuments like the Bara Lao Ka Gumbad and the Khirki Mosque. It directed the ASI to file a detailed affidavit explaining the steps taken to comply with the court's earlier directions and to secure the monuments.
The contempt petition was filed by an individual highlighting the continued neglect and deterioration of these historical structures. The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 2026, giving the ASI time to respond to the notice and demonstrate compliance.
