Supreme Court Bars Sports Construction At Lodhi-Era ‘Gumti Of Shaikh Ali’ Park
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
Supreme Court orders no badminton or basketball courts at historic Gumti site. Monument to be preserved, beautified, and free from commercial misuse.
New Delhi: On August , the Supreme Court of India has recently passed an important order regarding the historical Lodhi-era monument known as the “Gumti of Shaikh Ali” in New Delhi. The court has clearly stated that the park inside the monument’s premises must not be used for building any sports facilities like badminton or basketball courts.
The apex court’s direction came during a hearing related to the protection and proper maintenance of this ancient site.
Also Read: “Declare ‘Gumti of Shaikh Ali’ Protected, No Delay Now”: Supreme Court Orders Delhi Govt
Earlier, the Supreme Court had asked the Delhi government to issue a fresh notification under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act) to officially declare the Gumti of Shaikh Ali as a protected monument.
This step is crucial for ensuring the monument receives legal safeguards and proper conservation support.
A bench consisting of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah also ordered that there should be no commercial activity in or around the monument. This includes restrictions on setting up kiosks or shops in the area.
The court was also informed that the park, which consists of four parts (called quadrants), would be looked after, kept clean, and beautified so that it maintains its natural look and serves the general public in a peaceful and meaningful way.
The bench in its July 31 order said,
“The only direction which needs to be given here is that it should not be used for any other purpose and no activity such as construction of badminton court, basketball court, etc., be made considering the limitations of the area itself.”
To make sure the park is properly maintained and developed, the Supreme Court asked the court-appointed commissioner to work with the responsible departments, especially the Horticulture Department. Their role will be to maintain the greenery and overall beauty of the park.
This matter came to the court’s attention when it was found that the Defence Colony Residents Welfare Association had been occupying the monument’s premises since the 1960s without legal permission. The court directed the association to vacate all such structures and also imposed a fine.
As per the court’s order, they must pay Rs 40 lakh to the Archaeology Department of the Delhi government as compensation for their unauthorised use of the historical property.
The legal dispute was initiated when a local resident of Defence Colony, Rajeev Suri, filed a petition in the Supreme Court asking for the Gumti to be given protection under the AMASR Act. His petition came after the Delhi High Court had earlier dismissed his plea in 2019.
Since then, the Supreme Court has been continuously issuing instructions to remove any illegal encroachments and make sure the monument and the park around it are preserved and beautified. The matter will now come up again in court on August 28.
Protected monuments under the AMASR Act enjoy special status. They are legally protected and any unauthorised construction, damage, or excavation around them is strictly restricted.
This is done to ensure such historical sites are preserved for the benefit of future generations.
Click Here to Read More Reports On Shaikh Ali