The Delhi High Court has given the Archaeological Survey of India additional time to investigate the nation's capital's Jama Masjid and submit a report. 

In addressing the PILs to designate the mosque as a "protected monument," a bench comprised of Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Amit Sharma demanded the report from the ASI at least one week before the subsequent hearing on January 29, 2025. "Let the survey/inspection as directed in the order dated October 23, 2024, be carried out and a report be filed at least one week before the next date of hearing with advance copies to all parties appearing in the matter," the bench ordered on December 11. 

The court ordered the Archaeological Survey of India and Waqf board representatives to investigate the Jama Masjid and the surrounding area on October 23. Along with a table detailing the use of the Jama Masjid premises, it also asked for a sketch. On December 11, senior advocate Anil Soni, representing the ASI, requested more time to complete the task. The court granted additional time and allowed one lawyer from the petitioner’s side to join the team during the inspection. The PILs, filed by Suhail Ahmed Khan and Ajay Gautam in 2014, questioned why the Jama Masjid does not fall under the ASI’s jurisdiction. 

The ASI claimed in its most recent declaration that no action had been done to date to declare the historic Jama Masjid a "protected monument" and that doing so would have a "substantial impact." Once a structure is declared a protected monument, specific rules and restrictions are applied to the surrounding area. Although the Mughal-era Jama Masjid is currently managed by the Delhi Waqf Board, the ASI is responsible for its conservation and preservation work.