The Delhi High Court has instructed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the city government to take action against cafes, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels operating in Majnu ka Tila and New Aruna Nagar without approved building plans and in violation of safety regulations. A public interest litigation (PIL) raised concerns about unauthorized commercial establishments in multi-storey buildings along the Yamuna river bank. The plea requested inspections and enforcement actions against cafes, hotels, and restaurants lacking necessary permissions and sanctioned building plans.
The plea also urged the Delhi High Court to direct the MCD and the Delhi Fire Services to ensure compliance with the National Building Code and relevant fire safety measures in the area. The DDA’s counsel informed the court that a suo motu complaint had been registered on the special task force’s portal. In response, the Delhi High Court disposed of the plea, instructing authorities to take appropriate legal action after assessing the petitioners’ grievances.
The court directed the civic authorities to act promptly, preferably within three months. During the proceedings, the Delhi High Court noted that a significant number of Delhi University students frequented the area, emphasizing the need for timely intervention. In a lighter moment, CJI Upadhyaya humorously remarked, “Except the momo cart, everything shall be removed.” The PIL highlighted the construction of several tall structures in Majnu Ka Tila and New Aruna Nagar, with illegal basements, rooftops, and recreational facilities, posing immediate life-threatening risks.
The petitioners pointed out that most buildings lacked proper staircases beyond the third or fourth floor, relying on small lifts for vertical access. Allegedly, existing staircases were narrow, unlit, and poorly maintained, while some terraces and rooftops were blocked, leaving visitors without evacuation routes. Citing a recent nightclub fire in Goa, the plea warned of potential hazards in similar circumstances.
