Explaining the role of Heritage Conservation Committee in context of its authority in Sunehri Bagh Mosque demolition 

Delhi's Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) oversees the fate of the 150-year-old Sunheri Bagh Mosque, a Grade-III heritage building.

In the heart of Delhi lies the Sunehri Bagh Mosque. Built on a roundabout, the 150-year-old mosque is awaiting its fate which lies in the hands of Delhi’s Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC). The governing body is responsible for overlooking the protection of heritage buildings, heritage precincts and natural feature areas in the national capital.

The committee is headed by the Additional Secretary or Special Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India and comprises of a total 14 members, both official and non-official with a three-year term.  

Formed in 2004, under the directions of the Supreme Court, by incorporating a new clause in the then Delhi Building Bye-Laws 1983 (now Unified Building Bye-Laws for Delhi-2016) plays a key role in the conservation of Delhi historic sites.  

The last time, the committee was reconstituted was in 2020. On December 31, the New Delhi Municipal Council in front of the high court explained that the Sunehri Bagh Mosque will not be brought down anytime soon, and it needs the nod of the HCC which is yet to be constituted as previous members terms have expired.  

MoHUA did not respond to queries regarding when the HCC will be reconstituted. NDMC officials said until the committee doesn’t provide its approval, no action will be taken against the mosque in court during the hearing of a plea filed by the mosque’s imam against the proposed demolition.  

The HCC works with the government, civic bodies, local bodies, conservation authorities and other stakeholders to ensure the proper protection of heritage sites in Delhi such as the Delhi Urban Heritage Foundation, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Department of Archaeology GNCTD, Central Public Works Department, INTACH Delhi Chapter, Aga Khan Trust, and Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC).  

AGK Menon, architect, urban planner and conservation consultant who has also served the HCC as a conservation architect explained the HCC functions as a watchdog for protecting the various heritage buildings in Delhi. If any authority wants to modify, demolish or upgrade a heritage building in the capital, they must take the approval of the HCC.