Delhi High Court dismisses plea for INA memorial at Red Fort

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition requesting the installation of a memorial honouring the Indian National Army (INA) at the Red Fort in the capital. A bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia heard arguments in the matter before delivering its decision.

In its order, the bench observed that the establishment of a memorial is not intrinsically linked to any enforceable duty or legal right that could be pursued through judicial intervention. The court noted that such matters typically fall within the purview of executive discretion and policy-making rather than being subjects amenable to court-mandated relief through public interest litigation.

The rejection underscores the judiciary's traditional stance on matters involving memorials and commemorative structures, which are generally treated as policy decisions requiring coordination between various government departments and heritage authorities. The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's most significant historical monuments, remains subject to ongoing regulations governing its use and modifications.

The decision comes as various stakeholder groups continue to advocate for greater recognition of the INA's historical role in India's independence struggle. However, such appeals have so far not materialized into concrete government action or legislative backing.