**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2496, addressed on August 4, 2025, regarding the land of village Tughlakabad, the Ministry of Culture clarifies the following: No notification has been issued to hand over the land of village Tughlakabad to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). However, an area measuring 2,661 Bighas and 12 Biswas located within Tughlaqabad Fort was handed over to the ASI on November 16, 1995. The matter of settlements that arose after 1993 on this land is currently sub judice before the Hon'ble High Court of Delhi. The High Court has directed the removal of all such settlements. Future actions concerning the extent of land and the number of houses to be removed will be undertaken strictly in accordance with the Court's directions. The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, provided this information.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: A ministry of the Government of India.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
SHRI RAMVIR SINGH BIDHURI: Questioner in Lok Sabha.
Tughlakabad: Village in Delhi, India; Location of land in question.
Archaeological Survey of India: Indian government agency responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments in the country.
SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT: Minister of Culture and Tourism.
Tughlaqabad Fort: A fort in Delhi, India; location of the land handed over to ASI in 1995.
High Court of Delhi: The High Court of Delhi; currently adjudicating the matter of settlements on the land.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2496
ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025
HANDING OVER THE LAND OF TUGHLAKABAD TO ASI
†2496. SHRI RAMVIR SINGH BIDHURI:
Will the Minister of CULTUREbe pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has issued any notification to hand over the land of village
Tughlakabad to the Archaeological Survey of India;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has any plan to demolish the settlements that came up after 1993
on that land of village Tughlakabad and hand it over to ASI; and
(d) if so, the details of the land in area and the number of houses proposed to be demolished?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) There is no notification regarding the transfer of land of village Tughlakabad to the
&
Archaeological Survey of India. However, an area measuring 2,661 Bighas and 12 Biswas,
(b)
located within Tughlaqabad Fort was handed over to the ASI on 16.11.1995.
(c) The matter is currently sub-judice before the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. The Hon’ble
&
High Court has directed that all settlements that came up after 1993 in the said area are to
(d)
be removed. However, any future action, including the extent of land and number of houses
proposed to be removed will be undertaken strictly in accordance with the Court’s
directions.
*****