Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh on Sunday said the proposed amendments to the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 aim to decriminalise minor civic offences and make the regulatory framework more citizen-friendly, rational, and facilitative.
“These proposed changes reflect a shift from punitive enforcement to a more balanced, compliance-oriented approach that promotes cooperation between citizens and the municipal administration,” the Mayor said.
According to an official statement from the Mayor’s office, several provisions that previously attracted criminal prosecution, including fines and imprisonment, are proposed to be rationalised.
“Minor and technical violations will no longer lead to criminal proceedings, thereby reducing undue harassment, social stigma, and litigation. Provisions involving imprisonment for minor municipal violations, such as employment-related defaults, are proposed to be removed entirely, reinforcing the principle that minor civic lapses should not lead to criminal liability,” the statement read.
Focusing on ease of living and doing business, licensing-related provisions (for markets, trades, eating establishments) have been simplified by replacing criminal penalties with monetary penalties, he said.
