HC orders action against ‘illegal’ cafes, restaurants in Majnu ka Tila

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday ordered “appropriate action” against several cafes, bars and restaurants operating without sanctioned building plans and safety measures in the Majnu ka Tila area in north Delhi. The court was hearing a petition which contended that many unauthorised restaurants are operating in multi-storey buildings in Majnu ka Tila, located on the Yamuna riverbank, and are being used for commercial purposes. Noting that a suo motu complaint has already been registered by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the court said, “We dispose of the petition with a direction to the authorities to take appropriate action which may be warranted under law after reviewing the grievances of the petitioner.” It also directed that the decision and action as may be warranted in the complaint filed by the DDA be taken with expedition, preferably within three months. ‘Life-threatening hazard’ The court was hearing a PIL by Arnav Singh and another individual seeking action against the buildings and establishments found operating without sanctioned building plans. The plea also sought direction to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Fire Services to enforce the National Building Code and applicable fire safety measures in the areas, ensuring that any required action is taken. DDA’s counsel submitted that based on the PIL, a suo motu complaint has been registered at the portal of the special task force. The plea claimed that several structures in Majnu ka Tila and New Aruna Nagar rise to “7-8 floors, with illegal basements, rooftops, and recreational facilities”. It said that the “structural and operational conditions of these buildings create an immediate and life-threatening hazard”. The petitioners claimed that most buildings lack staircases beyond the third or fourth floor, leaving “only small, low-capacity lifts as vertical access”. Published - December 25, 2025 01:33 am IST

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