Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Dec. 29: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to take appropriate action against cafes, restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments operating in Majnu Ka Tilla (MKT) without proper licenses, sanctioned building plans, and mandatory fire safety clearances.
The order was passed while disposing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Arnav Singh and another petitioner, Aditya Chauhan. The plea sought directions to inspect establishments operating in MKT without sanctioned building plans and urged the authorities to enforce the National Building Code and applicable fire safety measures. The petitioners contended that the unchecked commercialization posed significant risks to public safety, particularly in densely populated areas with narrow lanes and limited emergency access.
The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela noted that the petition raised serious concerns regarding the use of multi-storey residential buildings for commercial purposes, particularly the operation of cafes, restaurants, bars, and hotels without requisite approvals from statutory authorities.
During the hearing, counsel representing the DDA informed the court that a suo motu complaint had already been registered by the Special Task Force (STF) based on the issues raised in the PIL.
Taking note of this submission, the Bench stated, “In view of the fact that a suo motu complaint has already been registered by the Delhi Development Authority/Special Task Force, we dispose of this public interest litigation petition.” The court directed the concerned authorities to examine the grievances raised and take action as warranted under law, indicating that the process should be completed expeditiously, within a three-month timeframe.
Speaking to Phayul, Dorje Tsering, the Tibetan Settlement Officer of Samyelling Tibetan Settlement in MKT, responding to a Delhi High Court order, said “we have not received any notice yet, but we will fully comply when the authorities come.”
“The DDA and MCD will be checking and investigating through a Special Task Force they have made. They are yet to come for the survey and inspection, and we have not received any notice yet,” he said. Emphasizing cooperation, Dorje added, “We will fully comply when they come and will rectify any issues if there are problems.”
He also said that the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has constituted a committee to examine the matter internally so that similar issues do not arise in the future.
While welcoming lawful scrutiny, Dorje expressed uncertainty over the intent behind the PIL. “It is not clear whether the petition was filed purely in public interest or if there are vested interests involved. However, if problems are detected, we will make sure to rectify them as it is our responsibility,” he said.
Majnu Ka Tilla, officially known as Samyelling Tibetan Colony, is located along the banks of the Yamuna River in North Delhi. The settlement was established in the early 1960s following the arrival of Tibetan refugees in India after China’s illegal occupation of Tibet. For decades, MKT has remained a vital cultural and social space for the Tibetan exile community, preserving language, religious practices, and communal life. In recent years, the colony has also evolved into one of Delhi’s most popular culinary hubs drawing locals and tourists to its vibrant food culture.
