The SC has issued a contempt notice to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for failing to respond to the conservation status of 173 heritage sites in Delhi. The court has summoned its Director General to appear in person next month.
SC Issues notice to ASI Over Delhi Heritage Sites
In an order dated March 16 that uploaded this week, a bench of justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and N Kotiswar Singh said, “Notice is issued to the Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India to show cause why the court not initiate contempt proceedings against him. He must be present in court on the next date along with his showcause.”
This action follows the court’s February order requesting status reports from various authorities managing declared heritage sites in the Capital.
Delhi’s 1,100+ Heritage Sites Under Scrutiny
According to a 2021 report, there are over 1,100 notified heritage sites and structures in Delhi. Out of these, 173 sites are under the direct management of ASI, while the rest fall under the Delhi archaeology department, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
On February 2, the SC directed all relevant agencies to provide details on the location, conservation status, and maintenance of the monuments, including geo-mapping and photographs.
By March 16, all agencies except ASI had filed responses. “The court takes strong exception to the deliberate violation of its order. The number of monuments under the purview of ASI is 173. However, no affidavit filed on behalf of ASI,” the bench noted, and scheduled the matter for April 13.
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