The Delhi High Court has issued a directive to civic authorities, mandating immediate action against numerous food and beverage establishments operating illegally in the popular North Delhi neighbourhood of Majnu Ka Tila. The court's order came during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that raised serious concerns over structural safety and unauthorised constructions in the area, which is a major hub for Delhi University students and tourists.
Court's Directive and Judicial Remarks
A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela disposed of the plea after the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) informed the court that a suo motu complaint had been registered and action would follow. While urging swift measures, Justice Gedela made an oral observation, noting the area's popularity with the student community. In a lighter vein, Chief Justice Upadhyaya remarked on the ubiquitous appeal of street food, suggesting a hypothetical exception for a beloved local vendor.
The bench formally recorded the DDA's submission and directed the concerned authorities to take appropriate action against the violators. The order was passed on Wednesday, December 25, 2025.
Details of the PIL and Safety Hazards
The PIL was filed by practising advocates Arnav Singh and Aditya Chauhan, who appeared as party-in-person. They submitted that multiple cafes, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels are operating from unauthorised multi-storeyed buildings along the Yamuna banks.
The petition, relying on Right to Information (RTI) responses from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), highlighted that these buildings lack sanctioned plans. It detailed severe safety lapses, including illegal basements, rooftop additions, and recreational facilities. The PIL specifically pointed out that some buildings lack staircase access beyond the third or fourth floor, making elevators the only route to upper floors—a critical fire hazard.
Furthermore, the petitioners underscored a "life-threatening hazard", which was amplified during recent Yamuna floods when streets submerged and basements filled with water, exposing the structures' vulnerabilities. They also alleged "regulatory failures, if not deliberate negligence", citing an instance where a lift installation licence was granted for a building without any sanctioned plan.
Notorious Establishments and Regulatory Failure
The list of establishments mentioned in the PIL includes long-standing and popular venues. A notable example is the legacy Tibetan restaurant Dolma's rooftop and restaurant cafe, which has been running since 1984. The famous AMA Cafe was also named among the outlets operating without requisite approvals.
The petitioners stated that they had submitted a detailed representation to authorities flagging issues like illegal constructions, absence of fire safety measures, and building norm violations but had received no response. They filed the plea representing a large class of visitors, including students, tourists, and workers who frequent the area. The MCD was represented by advocates Siddhant Nath and Amaan Khan during the proceedings.
The court's order now puts the onus on the DDA and civic bodies to audit and take decisive action against these illegal commercial operations to ensure public safety in one of Delhi's most frequented cultural and culinary spots.
