New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed that two historic monuments inside Mehrauli Archaeological Park—the 12th-century Ashiq Allah Dargah and the Chillagah of Baba Farid—be placed under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for preservation, repair, and protection.
A Bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan was hearing appeals against the Delhi High Court’s dismissal of petitions challenging the Delhi Development Authority’s actions in the area. Petitioners feared that the DDA’s encroachment clearance drive could threaten these centuries-old shrines. The Court questioned the DDA’s intentions, asking why it wished to demolish structures of historical significance. The DDA clarified that its concern was limited to newer unauthorised constructions and not the monuments themselves.
The ASI submitted a report confirming that both sites, though not formally notified as centrally protected, fall within the 200-metre regulated zone of the historic Prithviraj Chauhan citadel. Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, they are subject to protection. The ASI emphasized the cultural and spiritual importance of these shrines, which are revered by Sufi devotees who continue to visit for prayers, vows, and blessings.
The report noted that while later modifications have altered their appearance, original elements such as stone structures and domes still remain and are worthy of conservation. The Court stressed that heritage preservation must not be misused to protect illegal encroachments but must focus on safeguarding genuine monuments. “That monument has to be preserved. We are only concerned with the monument,” Justice Nagarathna observed.
Disposing of the appeals, the Supreme Court ordered the ASI to take over supervision of any conservation work at the sites. The decision ensures that Ashiq Allah Dargah and Baba Farid’s Chillagah—treasured markers of India’s Islamic heritage—will be safeguarded for future generations.
