SC warns of criminal action over delay in conserving monuments inside Delhi Golf Club

The Supreme Court, on May 11, 2026, warned of criminal action against NDMC officials for delays in conservation, stating that an FIR could be registered and ordering closure of sports and other activities within 50 metres of the monuments. It directed the court-appointed commissioner to submit an inspection report; NDMC chairperson Keshav Chandra apologised and said four of the eight structures had been completed; the matter was posted for the next hearing.

The Supreme Court, in an order dated May 4, 2026, summoned the NDMC chairperson over Swapna Liddle’s report on the dilapidated monuments inside the Delhi Golf Club, sought a response from the archaeology department, and directed a court-appointed commissioner to inspect the site before the next hearing. The order also discussed the Kharbooze ka Gumbad inside a private school and noted conservation efforts began in 2021 as part of a larger list of structures.

In February 2026, the court was shown a 2021 INTACH report documenting heritage sites in Delhi and expanded the petition's scope, seeking details on preservation status, fencing and boundary demarcation, maintenance, encroachments, budgetary constraints and local community involvement.

The extension was approved in July 2025, effectively extending the conservation period till July 2027.

The Delhi Golf Club management wrote to the NDMC in June 2025 seeking an additional two years to complete conservation work.

In February 2024, the NDMC, along with the Heritage Conservation Committee, asked the Delhi Golf Club to take steps within six months to conserve eight ancient monuments inside the club premises.