Submit Affidavit Regarding the Jama Masjid’s Designation as a Protected Monument.

The Delhi High Court has instructed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to submit an affidavit concerning the Jama Masjid’s designation as a protected monument, including information about its current occupants, the maintenance efforts being undertaken by the ASI, and the revenues generated and utilized. This directive was issued by a Division Bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Amit Sharma in response to petitions advocating for the recognition of Jama Masjid as both a ‘Protected Monument’ and a ‘World Heritage Site.’

The petitions alleged that the Union of India, the ASI, and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi had failed to adequately protect, promote, and develop the Jama Masjid. Additionally, they accused the Delhi Wakf Board of neglecting its statutory responsibilities regarding the monument. On August 23, 2017, the Court had ordered the ASI and the Ministry of Culture, Union of India, to produce documentation pertaining to the decision not to designate Jama Masjid as a protected monument. On August 28, 2024, the Court reiterated these instructions, directing the ASI to provide the original files related to the Jama Masjid.

Despite these orders, the file concerning the Jama Masjid’s status as a protected monument has yet to be presented to the Court. On September 27, 2024, an ASI official brought some note sheets and one file to the Court; however, it was observed that these documents lacked significant information regarding the protected monument status of Jama Masjid. Consequently, the Court mandated that a qualified ASI official present the original file at the next hearing.

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