Majnu ka Tila cafes face closure amid Delhi HC crackdown over safety measures

Delhi HC

• Delhi High Court orders action against unsafe eateries in Majnu ka Tila
• Cafes and restaurants may shut for lacking building plans and fire safety
• Authorities told to act within three months after reviewing safety concerns

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Northeast Delhi's Majnu ka Tila, popular for its affordable cafes serving Tibetan and Asian cuisine, may see several eateries shut down over safety issues. Earlier this week, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to act against establishments and structures operating without approved building plans and adequate safety measures.

On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court instructed authorities to take appropriate action against a number of cafes, bars and restaurants in Majnu Ka Tila that are allegedly functioning without approved building plans and proper fire safety arrangements.

The directive, according to reports, was issued amid growing concerns about structural safety at the popular food hub in Northeast Delhi.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela disposed of a petition which claimed that several unauthorised restaurants in Majnu Kka Tila, located along the Yamuna riverbank, are operating in multi-storey buildings for commercial use without the required legal approvals. The court noted that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had already registered a suo motu complaint regarding the matter.

"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 said. The court directed that the required action be carried out promptly, ideally within a three-month timeframe.

Justice Gedela also noted that half of Delhi University (DU) students are at the Majnu ka Tila cafes and restaurants and orally said, on a lighter note, "except the momos cart, everything shall be removed", said a PTI report.

The petition also sought directions for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Fire Services to enforce the National Building Code and fire safety norms. It highlighted that most buildings lack staircases beyond the third or fourth floor, leaving only "small, low-capacity lifts" for vertical access.