The Supreme Court directs ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) to supervise the repair and restoration of two historically significant monuments in Delhi’s Mehrauli Archaeological Park — the Ashiq Allah Dargah and the Chillagah of Baba Farid. The apex court issued this directive on August 19, 2025, while hearing appeals seeking protection of these religious and cultural sites from demolition.
Background of the Case
The order came in response to a petition filed by Zameer Ahmed Jumlana, who urged the court to safeguard the Ashiq Allah Dargah (built in 1317 AD) and the Chillagah of Baba Farid, a shrine associated with the revered Sufi saint. Both monuments are located inside the Mehrauli Archaeological Park and attract daily visits from devotees.
A bench comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan observed that the monuments hold deep historical and religious value. The bench questioned the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on its demolition drives in the area, asking: “Why do you want to demolish it in the first place?”
Preservation vs Encroachment Debate
The DDA’s counsel clarified that the authority was not targeting the dargahs but rather several unauthorised structures that had cropped up in their vicinity. The counsel argued that the real issue was to distinguish between protected monuments and illegal encroachments.
In its report, the ASI confirmed that while these monuments were not centrally protected under existing laws, they held immense cultural and religious importance. The Ashiq Allah Dargah, dedicated to Shaikh Shahibuddin, bears an inscription dating back to 1317 AD and lies close to the historic citadel of Prithviraj Chauhan. Being within the 200-metre regulated zone of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, any renovation requires official permission.
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Court’s Observations
The Supreme Court directs ASI to take the matter into consideration and ensure supervision of the repair, renovation, and preservation of the two monuments. The bench also reiterated its earlier order of February 28, prohibiting any construction, additions, or alterations in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park without court approval.
The justices emphasized: “That monument has to be preserved. We are only concerned with the monument.”
Cultural and Religious Importance
According to the ASI, both structures are frequently visited by devotees. At the Ashiq Allah Dargah, people light lamps for the fulfilment of wishes, while the Chillagah of Baba Farid is believed to protect visitors from evil spirits and bad omens. These shrines not only reflect medieval Indo-Islamic architecture but also embody centuries of spiritual practices.
Conclusion
With the Supreme Court directs ASI order, the future of Mehrauli’s ancient dargahs now rests on careful preservation and sensitive handling of encroachments. This ruling strikes a balance between urban development and the protection of India’s cultural heritage, ensuring that these centuries-old monuments continue to inspire faith and historical curiosity for generations to come.
