ASI tells SC structures in Mehrauli Park have religious significance

New Delhi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has informed the Supreme Court that two monuments within the Mehrauli Archaeological Park are religiously significant, as Muslim worshippers visit the Ashiq Allah Dargah and Chillagah of Baba Farid, the famed 13th century Sufi saint, on a daily basis.

According to an ASI study given to the Supreme Court, an inscription on Shaikh Shahibuddin's (Ashiq Allah's) tomb states that it was built in 1317 AD.

"The structural modifications and alterations for the sake of restoration and conservation have impacted the historicity of the place," ASI said.

The ASI submitted that the tomb is close to the citadel of Prithviraj Chauhan and falls within the regulated zone of 200 metres according to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.

It said any repair, renovation or construction work is to be conducted with the prior permission of the competent authority.

"Both structures are frequently visited. Devotees light lamps at the Ashiq Dargah for the fulfilment of wishes.

"They visit Chillagah to get rid of evil spirits and bad omen. The place is also associated with the religious sentiment and faith of a particular religious community," the report said.

The top court was hearing a plea by one Zameer Ahmed Jumlana, seeking protection for centuries-old religious structures inside the Mehrauli Archaeological Park in Delhi, including the 13th century Ashiq Allah Dargah (1317 AD) and Chillagah of Baba Farid.

He said the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has planned the demolition of structures in the name of removing encroachments without assessing their historicity.

Jumlana has moved the top court against a February 8 Delhi High Court order which said Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena-led Religious Committee could consider the matter. Jumlana contended that the committee is not the appropriate forum to decide the antiquity of a structure.

With PTI inputs