New Delhi, Jan. 16 -- The Supreme Court on Friday expressed its intention to monitor the maintenance and preservation of heritage and archaeological sites in Delhi, noting prolonged neglect by statutory authorities. The observation was made while hearing a matter concerning illegal encroachment on the Lodhi-era Shaikh Ali 'Gumti', a nearly 500-year-old tomb of archaeological significance.
The Gumti had been illegally occupied by the Defence Colony Welfare Association (DCWA), with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) running an unauthorised office and parking facility at the site. The Supreme Court has over the past year passed a series of orders directing the removal of encroachments and has been closely monitoring restoration efforts....