{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Supreme Court Slams ASI and MCD Over Dilapidated State of Lodi Era Tombs in Delhi",
  "summary": "The Supreme Court has expressed deep concern over the poor condition and rampant encroachment surrounding historical Lodi-era tombs in South Delhi. The bench has summoned top officials from the ASI and MCD, setting the next hearing for October 7.",
  "content": "Expressing grave concern over the deteriorating state of heritage monuments in the national capital, the Supreme Court has strongly reprimanded the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Archaeological Survey of India for displaying complete apathy and concealing crucial facts. A bench comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh directed senior officials from both agencies to make a personal appearance before the court, fixing October 7 as the date for the next hearing. These stern remarks from the bench emerged after media reports highlighted the dilapidated condition and massive encroachments around Lodi-era tombs located in the Zamrudpur area of South Delhi.\n\nSummoning Top Officials Over Heritage Neglect\nWhile hearing a petition concerning the preservation and upkeep of historical heritage structures in Delhi, the bench stated that it was left with no other option except to direct the additional commissioner of the MCD and the director general of the ASI to personally appear before the court. The court asked them to explain via affidavits why appropriate orders should not be issued to seriously penalize such conduct. These media reports were cited through an application filed by Delhi resident Rajiv Suri, via whose petition the Supreme Court is actively monitoring the conservation of historical heritage buildings and sites across the national capital.\n\nContradictions Between MCD Claims and Ground Reality\nThe Supreme Court was informed that the MCD had stated in its status report filed on April 10 that five tombs in Zamrudpur had been surveyed. Among these, the condition of one structure was reported as satisfactory, while the remaining three were found surrounded by garbage and encroachments. However, court-appointed commissioners informed the bench that there are five Grade-1 heritage structures under the MCD in Zamrudpur, out of which one structure could not even be located on the ground.\n\nReacting sharply to these discrepancies, the Supreme Court noted that there was absolute negligence on the part of the MCD and an intentional suppression of facts, especially given that the civic body had earlier maintained a clear stance that such structures were entirely free from encroachment. With the apex court demanding personal accountability from the heads of both agencies, the upcoming hearing on October 7 is expected to bring further scrutiny on how public authorities manage Delhi's fast-vanishing historical legacy.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThis development carries significant implications for urban governance and heritage protection.\n\n• Across India: Civic bodies and archaeological authorities nationwide may face stricter judicial oversight regarding the maintenance and encroachment of historical sites.\n• In Delhi: Residents and local authorities in South Delhi and other heritage zones could witness aggressive anti-encroachment drives and heightened accountability.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. Which agencies did the Supreme Court reprimand?\nThe Supreme Court strongly reprimanded the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).\n\n2. Which historical site is at the center of this case?\nThe case centers around Lodi-era tombs and historical structures located in the Zamrudpur area of South Delhi.\n\n3. Which specific officials have been ordered to appear personally?\nThe court directed the additional commissioner of the MCD and the director general of the ASI to make personal appearances.\n\n4. When is the next hearing scheduled for this case?\nThe next hearing for the case has been scheduled for October 7.\n\n5. How did the matter come to the attention of the court?\nThe matter was brought to the court's attention through an application filed by Delhi resident Rajiv Suri, citing media reports.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/delhi/supreme-court-slams-asi-and-mcd-over-dilapidated-state-of-lodi-era-tombs-in-delhi-21754",
  "category": "Delhi",
  "publishedAt": "2026-08-25",
  "tags": [
    "Supreme Court",
    "ASI",
    "MCD",
    "Lodi Tombs",
    "Delhi News",
    "Heritage Conservation"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}