We Are Shocked! How Dare You? SC Raps DCWA, ASI Over Damage To 700-Year-Old Lodi Era Tomb

Supreme Court castigates the local welfare association in Delhi, ASI for damaging 700-year-old Gumti of Shaikh Ali at Defence Colony

The strong worded observations from the top court came after it went through a status report filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Source : ANI

The Supreme Court on Tuesday slammed Defence Colony Welfare Association (DCWA) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) over the illegal occupation of 700-year-old Gumti of Shaikh Ali at Defence Colony in Delhi.

A bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Ahsanuddin Amanullah castigated the local welfare association and asked how it dared to enter the tomb. The DCWA had put up false ceilings and installed electric fans and furniture inside the structure.

"How dare you enter this? How dare you," Justice Dhulia asked.

However, the counsel appearing for DCWA contended that the local body has been there for decades. 

At this point Justice Dhulia asked "What kind of argument is this?"

"Cannot be allowed. We will evict you in open court if needed," Justice Amanatullah warned.

The lawyer appearing for DCWA said that "anti-social elements" will come if they are removed. 

At this point the bench shot back saying, "you are speaking like colonial rulers you know. Like 'if we didn't come to India, what would have happened."

The strong worded observations from the top court came after it went through a status report filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The top court further pulled up the ASI for allowing the illegal occupation of the tomb by DCWA. The court noted that ASI has gone against its own mandate in allowing the local body to enter 700-year Lodi era tomb.

"Enough of these hanky panky things. We are going to haul people up! Because windows and tables and false ceilings have been put, nothing can be done? What rubbish?...We are very shocked," Justice Amanullah said.

The top court then appointed an expert to study the extent of damage done to the tomb and to suggest restoration measures.

The court granted the expert 6 weeks to suggest measures for restoration and posted the matter for further consideration on January 21, 2025.