Initially, the Government had washed its hands of the maintenance of the haveli. It even decided against spending on restoration work. Shocked at the indifference of the Government, concerned citizens took the matter to the High Court pleading that the haveli be declared a protected monument. The High Court, on Wednesday, dismissed the petition and clarified that the decision to acquire the haveli rests with the Government as the poet never owned the haveli legally though he spent several years there.

After the hullabaloo, the Delhi Government seems to have finally made up its mind. Clarifying the Government's stand on the issue, Minister of Tourism Dr Narendra Nath told The Indian Express, ``The Government will take possession of the haveli and maintain it as well. Our aim is to restore thebeauty and grandeur of the building which is now in ruins.. Every visitor who enters the haveli should be transported back in time -- to Ghalib's era -- 200 years back.''

To implement its tall promise, however, the Delhi Government has to clear a maze of compensation hassles. Ghalib's home in gali Qasimjaan of Ballimaran has more than one person claiming ownership and compensation from the Government.

One of the parties claiming ownership is Shafiquddin and his father Fakruddin who run a STD booth in the premises. The duo have rented out Ghalib's drawing room to a cement contractor. Another person claiming compensation is the man running a heater factory in Ghalib's bedroom -- Mohd Shamim. Also, in the fray for compensation are his two brothers Mohd Nasim and Mohd Salim.