Delhi HC asks authorities to take action against illegal shops in Majnu ka Tila

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed authorities to take action against various cafes, bars and restaurants in the Majnu ka Tila area here, which are operating without sanctioned building plans and safety measures. A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela disposed of a petition which contended that various unauthorised restaurants are operating in multi-storey buildings in Majnu ka Tila, which is situated on the Yamuna River bank, and that they are being used for commercial purposes.

 The court noted that a suo motu complaint has already been registered by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and 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 DDA, be taken with expedition, preferably within three months.

During the hearing, Justice Gedela observed that half of the Delhi University students are there (Majnu Ka Tila cafes and restaurants) and asked the authorities to ensure that timely action is taken. In a lighter vein, the Chief Justice orally said, “except the momos cart, everything shall be removed.” The court was hearing a PIL by Arnav Singh and another individual action against the buildings and establishments found operating without sanctioned building plans.