Two-year jail term, hefty fine: Delhi cracks down on illegal constructions, invoke DDMA act against owners for safety violation
PTC News Desk: In a major push against illegal construction and safety violations, the Delhi government has decided to invoke provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, enabling stricter action against landlords, commercial establishment owners and government officials found responsible for regulatory breaches.
The decision comes in the wake of several recent tragedies linked to unauthorised construction and safety lapses across the capital. Most recently, at least 21 people, including 12 foreign nationals, lost their lives in a devastating hotel fire in the Malviya Nagar area of south Delhi on Wednesday.
Delhi Minister Ashish Sood said the Disaster Management Act would be used to impose tougher penalties on property owners and operators who violate official orders. The provisions will cover a range of offences, including illegal construction, failure to comply with safety norms and running commercial establishments without mandatory permissions.
“Delhi Government will invoke the DDMA Act to enforce up to two years’ imprisonment on landlords and owners of commercial establishments for violations of orders. Action will also be taken against officials found complicit," he said.
Officials to face personal liability
Announcing a series of accountability measures, Sood said District Magistrates (DMs) will be empowered to hold government officials personally responsible for negligence and take action against those found complicit in violations or failing to enforce regulations.
“Not only suspension, but salary, pension, retirement benefits and even personal assets can be used to recover losses if negligence or corruption by a government official leads to loss of life,” the minister said.
Under the new framework, DMs will also have the authority to initiate disciplinary proceedings, order departmental action and register FIRs against officials found guilty of misconduct or dereliction of duty. The government says the measures are aimed at strengthening accountability and preventing future disasters caused by regulatory failures.
- With inputs from agencies
