Today, On 23rd October, The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) informed the High Court that designating Delhi’s Jama Masjid as a protected monument would have significant implications. The ASI highlighted that this status would help preserve the mosque’s historical and architectural integrity, ensuring its protection for future generations. This declaration could also enhance tourism and raise awareness of the site’s cultural importance.
New Delhi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), On Wednesday, informed the Delhi High Court that designating the historic Jama Masjid as a “protected monument” would have a “substantial impact,” and that no actions have been taken in this regard so far.
In an affidavit responding to public interest litigations (PILs) on the matter, the ASI explained that declaring a monument as protected triggers certain regulations and restrictions in the surrounding area.
The ASI noted that while the Mughal-era Jama Masjid currently under the protection of the Delhi Waqf Board, it has been actively involved in conservation and preservation efforts at the site.
A bench led by Justice Prathiba M. Singh expressed reluctance to declare Jama Masjid a “protected monument” based on the ASI’s position and instructed the petitioners to submit their suggestions regarding measures for safeguarding the historic structure.
The court remarked,
“They (ASI) are saying there is a hesitation. There is an impact of declaring it a protected monument.”
The bench, which included Justice Amit Sharma, indicated that it would address the matter of improving the management of the mosque.
The high court reviewing public interest litigations (PILs) that requested the authorities to recognize Jama Masjid as a protected monument and to eliminate all encroachments in its vicinity.
These PILs, submitted by Suhail Ahmed Khan and Ajay Gautam in 2014, raised concerns about the title “Shahi Imam” held by Jama Masjid’s Imam Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari and the appointment of his son as the Naib (deputy) Imam.
Additionally, the petitions questioned why Jama Masjid was not placed under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
In August 2015, the ASI informed the court that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had assured the Shahi Imam that Jama Masjid would not be designated as a protected monument.
The case scheduled for another hearing in December.