Delhi's bustling Majnu Ka Tila area, known for its vibrant cafes and eateries, is facing a potential shutdown as the Delhi High Court recently directed authorities to take action against establishments operating without proper building plans and safety measures. This follows an official investigation into the legality and safety of several cafes, bars, and restaurants in the area, which has long been a favourite among Delhi University students and young professionals.
A bench consisting of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela disposed of a petition that claimed numerous unauthorised restaurants in Majnu Ka Tila located on the banks of the Yamuna river are functioning in multi-storey buildings for commercial purposes without proper legal approvals. The Court order was issued on December 24.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had already registered a suo motu complaint regarding this issue.
“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,” the bench stated. The court also urged that necessary action be taken swiftly, preferably within three months.
During the hearing, Justice Gedela noted that a significant number of Delhi University students frequent the cafes and eateries in the area, stressing that timely action must be ensured. Keeping note of that Chief Justice Upadhyaya remarked, “Except the momos cart, everything shall be removed.”
The petitioners, Arnav Singh and another individual, sought directions for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Fire Services to enforce the National Building Code and fire safety regulations in the area. They highlighted that many buildings in Majnu Ka Tila and nearby New Aruna Nagar rise up to seven or eight floors, often with illegal basements, rooftops, and recreational facilities.
The plea argued that the structural and operational conditions of these buildings pose an “immediate and life-threatening hazard.”
Most of the structures lack staircases beyond the third or fourth floor, relying on small, low-capacity lifts for vertical access. The petition also referenced the recent nightclub fire in Goa as a cautionary reminder of the potential dangers.
DDA’s counsel confirmed that a suo motu complaint had been filed on the special task force portal, and the court emphasised that authorities must review it and take action without delay.