The ruling comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that raised alarms over how these sprawling encroachments obstruct pedestrian movement, inconvenience devotees, and pose a direct security risk to the protected heritage site. During the proceedings, the bench pulled up the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Police for their perceived inertia, dismissing claims that a lack of manpower had hindered previous enforcement efforts. The court observed with concern how permanent flooring and structures were allowed to materialize under the noses of local authorities, mandating that a joint task force be formed immediately to clear the area and restore the site to its original layout.
Beyond local governance, the court has integrated the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) into the enforcement process to ensure that the eviction drive does not inadvertently damage the delicate structural integrity of the mosque. Furthermore, the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid and the Waqf Board have been urged to facilitate the legal process, reinforcing the principle that no individual or institution remains above the rule of law. By demanding a comprehensive status report before the next hearing, the judiciary has signaled that it will no longer accept bureaucratic delays in the preservation of the capital's historic core.
This landmark directive is expected to resonate far beyond the labyrinthine lanes of Old Delhi, setting a vital legal precedent for other congested heritage hubs across the metropolis. By prioritizing public interest and urban order over entrenched local interests, the High Court’s order seeks to revive the lost grandeur of Shahjahanabad. As the city prepares for this large-scale administrative cleanup, the message remains clear: the restoration of civic discipline and the protection of national monuments are paramount, ensuring that Delhi’s storied past is not buried under the weight of contemporary lawlessness.
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