The Delhi High Court has directed the DDA and MCD to take strict action against illegal cafes and restaurants operating in Majnu Ka Tilla. The court flagged safety, building code violations, and heavy student footfall in the area.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has directed authorities to take strict legal action against restaurants, cafes, and eateries operating from unauthorised constructions in Majnu Ka Tilla (MKT), citing violations of building safety norms and Yamuna riverbed preservation laws.
The direction came while a Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, along with Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) highlighting rampant illegal commercial activity in Majnu Ka Tilla and nearby New Aruna Nagar.
The PIL sought directions to authorities to inspect buildings being used for commercial purposes—such as cafes, restaurants, and hotels- without sanctioned building plans or necessary approvals. The petition also urged enforcement of the National Building Code and fire safety norms, arguing that the area witnesses heavy footfall, especially from students, making safety risks a serious concern.
The petitioner pointed out that many establishments are operating illegally on the Yamuna floodplains, raising environmental, security, and disaster-management concerns.
During the hearing, the Bench remarked that unauthorised constructions in Majnu Ka Tilla have existed for decades without effective enforcement.
“They have been there for the last 50–60 years and nothing has been done. Half the students at Delhi University go there… Take action,”
the Bench observed.
In a lighter vein, Justice Gedela also commented that “half of the DU students are in MKT most of the time,” underlining the high footfall and urgency of ensuring safety compliance.
Counsel representing the Delhi government informed the Court that the land in question belongs to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and that a Special Task Force (STF) is already monitoring the issue. The Court was told that an encroachment-removal drive is currently underway.
The DDA further informed the Bench that a suo motu complaint has been registered on the STF portal based on the petitioner’s grievance and that the matter is under active consideration.
After hearing submissions from the petitioner, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the DDA, the Court noted that since a complaint is already pending before the authorities, it was not necessary to keep the PIL pending.
“In view of the fact that a suo motu complaint is already registered by DDA/STF, we dispose of the plea with directions to authorities to take appropriate action as per law,”
the Court said.
As per the order, the authorities have been directed to act within three months against cafes, restaurants, and hotels operating without required permissions and violating safety and building regulations.
ALSO READ: Non-Compliance With ED Summons Alone Can’t Lead to NBWs, Rules Delhi High Court
Majnu Ka Tilla, popularly known for its Tibetan eateries and cafes, is a major food and tourism hub in north Delhi. The High Court’s order may lead to inspections, closures, or demolition of unauthorised structures if violations are confirmed.
