New Delhi: The historic Bikaner House in the heart of Delhi faces closure after a Delhi court ordered its attachment over a financial dispute involving the Rajasthan administration. The order comes in light of the state’s failure to pay an arbitral award of Rs 50.31 lakh to Enviro Infra Engineers Private Limited.

Court orders attachment of Bikaner House

District Judge Vidya Prakash, in an order issued this week, directed the attachment of the iconic property, citing non-compliance by the Rajasthan government. The dispute stems from a 2020 arbitral award favoring Enviro Infra Engineers, which attained finality after an appeal by Rajasthan’s Nokha Nagar Palika was dismissed earlier this year.

"Keeping in view the fact that the Judgement Debtor (JD) had failed to comply with the direction for furnishing affidavit of their assets despite grant of repeated opportunities, the court, while agreeing with the submissions made on behalf of Decree Holder (DH), finds it a fit case for issuance of warrants of attachment against immovable property of JD namely Bikaner House, New Delhi," Judge Prakash stated, according to PTI.

Rajasthan administration restrained from transferring property

The court barred the Nokha Nagar Palika, which owns Bikaner House, from selling, gifting, or transferring the property by any means. It also summoned a representative of the Nagar Palika to appear before the court on November 29, the next hearing date. The Rajasthan government has indicated that it will take immediate action to address the issue.

A landmark with royal legacy

Built in 1911 as the residence of the Rajput rulers of Bikaner, the house holds a storied legacy. The property was originally designed to reflect the regal grandeur of its patrons, with reception suites, private rooms, and a zenana (women’s quarters).

Bikaner House also played a pivotal role in India’s history. Around the time of independence in 1947, it served as a meeting ground for royal families deliberating their accession to independent India.

Today, it stands as a Grade II heritage building meticulously restored by the Archaeological Survey of India. The restoration project culminated in 2015 when the property was opened to the public, showcasing its original architecture and historic significance.

The court’s decision to attach the property has raised concerns about its future. While the Rajasthan government scrambles to address the financial dispute, the fate of this architectural gem hangs in the balance. The potential closure of Bikaner House marks a critical moment for one of Delhi’s most cherished heritage sites.

(With inputs from PTI)