"Half of DU students there": Delhi HC directs DDA, MCD to act against erring Majnu-ka-tilla cafes

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Delhi government to act against cafes and restaurants running in the city's Majnu-ka-tilla (MKT) without required permissions and violating safety protocols.

A public interest litigation (PIL) petition had been filed, flagging concern that several cafes and hotels in Majnu-ka-tilla were running without permission and violating safety norms.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela today directed the authorities to act against such errant establishments established on the Yamuna floodplains.

The Court, in a lighter vein, added that "half of the Delhi University students" are in MKT most of the time.

"Ensure that it's done. Half of the DU students are there," Justice Gedela said.

Ultimately, the Bench disposed of the PIL filed by Arnav Singh and another litigant.

The plea sought directions to inspect cafes and hotels running in MKT without proper clearances and operating without sanctioned building plans.

The petitioner urged the Court to direct the MCD and Delhi Fire Service department to enforce the national building code and fire safety measures in these establishments.

The DDA informed the Bench that suo motu complaint has already been registered, and action will be taken.

Noting this, the Court disposed of the plea with a direction to the authorities to act within three months.